Take a closer look at the Northern Lights and read tips on where and how to observe this phenomenon in some states of America, as the solar cycle approaches its maximum.
The Northern Lights Phenomenon
The Northern Lights, commonly referred to as the Aurora Borealis, is simply one of the most spectacular performances natures has to offer. The Bob’s vibrant lights which move within the night sky are nothing but the effect with the sun and the earth’s magnetic energy.
When the sun is more active than normal, such as during solar maximum phase of the cycle, the sun expels energy in the form of solar flares or coronal mass ejections (CMEs). This, again interacts with the earths gravity and an atmosphere. This in turn excites the gas in the atmosphere causing it to light up producing the glory that is the Northern Lights.
The sun’s activity follows an 11 year cycle, at present the sun’s activity is headed towards a maximum in sunspot cycle 25 which commenced in December 2019. Conclusively the Northern Lights are anticipated to get better developed and observed in many northern and Midwestern states in the course of the year.
How to best experience the northern lights where you happen to be
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) informs us that a total of six states to the north of the US would have the northern lights visible this Friday night… Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. It is normal for people to go highly towards the North when looking for the ideal place to view the Northern lights, areas like for instance are Canada and Alaska. However, due to the recent solar activities, people even in places as low as Mississippi, Texas, Arizona and southern California have reported seeing the lights. Though thanks to the recent activities, some parts of the country like the southern and the midwestern states including Southern Texas, Oklahama, Ohio and Kansas, will remain the areas of the greatest opportunities for viewing Northern Lights.
If one wishes to obtain the best experience on examining the Northern Lights, NOAA recommends that one should be outside within the time frame of around 10 PM to about 2 AM local anticipation as this is the time it is more probable to see the lights. It is also best to seek for the darkest area where there is no source of illumination coming from the city or any other form of light pollution as such will great inhibit properly viewing the Northern Lights. Hilltops, open fields, and other elevated vantage points are ideal for spotting the aurora borealis.
Conclusion
The Northern Lights is a fascinating spectacle that is now within reach of the audience in the United States. As the sun nears the maximum of its solar cycle there are higher probabilities to spot the aurora borealis in some northern and Midwestern states. Accordingly, it can be concluded that with the help of the NOAA and other professionals who have deep knowledge in such activities, people with interest in sky watching and nature can see this wonderful display of nature more often than it is currently observed.
