third of U.S. may see aurora borealis overnight
upi.com • • general
Key Points:
- Nearly one-third of the United States, primarily the northern third, could see the aurora borealis tonight, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
- The northern lights are expected to be most visible across 18 states, including Alaska, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, and Oregon, due to solar winds hitting Earth at speeds up to 430 miles per second.
- NOAA provides short-term forecasts and maps to help people locate the aurora, which can typically be observed just after sunset or before sunrise.
- The aurora borealis signals geomagnetic activity that can impact technologies such as HF radio communication, GPS navigation, and electric power transmission.
- NOAA highlighted the rarity of the aurora being visible as far south as Illinois and Oregon, offering many people a unique opportunity to experience space weather firsthand.
