Aurora enthusiasts have one more reason to celebrate this Thanksgiving. A powerful solar storm is set to hit Earth, creating ideal conditions for the northern lights to dazzle the night sky. Known scientifically as the aurora borealis, this colorful celestial display is expected to be visible across parts of the northern United States, offering a visual treat on both Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the vibrant green and red hues will appear thanks to a coronal mass ejection (CME) currently heading toward Earth. This phenomenon has prompted NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center to issue a geomagnetic storm watch for the holiday period.
While the solar storm poses minimal risks to satellites, GPS signals, and power grids, it promises an enchanting spectacle.
“If you are in the right place, these aurora can be quite pleasing to look at,” NOAA explains.
What Are the Northern Lights?
The auroras are nature’s most captivating light shows, formed when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere. These particles energize atmospheric gases, causing them to emit light in shades of green, red, and occasionally pink and blue.
The magnetic field directs these particles toward the poles, creating the iconic streaks, flickers, and spirals that have mesmerized humans for centuries. The precise colors depend on the altitude and the type of gas molecules involved in the collisions.
Why Are They Increasing Now?
The sun is at the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, which has heightened solar activity. As sunspots—regions of intense magnetic activity—become more frequent, they trigger solar flares and CMEs that travel toward Earth. When these events interact with Earth’s magnetosphere, they create geomagnetic storms that amplify the auroras.
NASA predicts this solar maximum will extend into 2025, meaning aurora chasers can look forward to more frequent sightings in the coming years.
Where to See the Northern Lights This Week
Typically visible in high-latitude regions near the poles, the auroras will reach farther south this Thanksgiving. The geomagnetic activity is rated at a Kp index of 5, making the lights both brighter and more widespread.
In the United States, locations from New York to Idaho could witness this natural phenomenon, with cities like Boise, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Indianapolis, and Annapolis reporting possible visibility, especially on clear nights away from light pollution.
NOAA suggests heading to dark, open areas for those in prime viewing spots. Viewing conditions are optimal within an hour or two of midnight.
Thanksgiving Viewing Tips
Although the exact timing of auroras is tricky to predict, experts recommend checking NOAA’s aurora dashboard for real-time updates. Weather permitting, Thanksgiving and Black Friday nights could showcase a spectacle rarely seen outside high-latitude regions.
With the football games and parades over, make this Thanksgiving unforgettable by stepping outside to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring displays. If the conditions are right, NOAA assures that even a minor geomagnetic storm can produce a stunning aurora.
