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3d ago

Geomagnetic Storm Brings Northern Lights to 14 U.S. States

NOAA forecasts storm intensity will decline through Thursday as Kp values fall during Solar Cycle 25’s peak

These Space Weather Prediction Center maps show the potential viewlines for the northern lights on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
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Overview

  • NOAA issued a G1 minor geomagnetic storm alert for late July 22 into July 23 due to high-speed solar wind streams from a negatively polarized coronal hole
  • Tuesday night’s Kp index peaked at 5, extending aurora visibility into 14 northern U.S. states from Washington through Maine
  • On Wednesday morning the G1 storm remains active and NOAA forecasts Kp values will ease to 4 tonight and 3 on Thursday
  • The auroral displays result when charged solar particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in Earth’s upper atmosphere
  • Observers are advised to find dark, north-facing vantage points free from light pollution between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. for the best chance to see the northern lights