Powerful Northern Lights to Light Up Minnesota Friday Night
NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center posted an exciting message to its Facebook page last night: "SWPC Forecasters have issues G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watches for 04-06 October due to a pair of coronal mass ejections that are anticipated to arrive over the course of the next three UTC days."
Full disclosure: I had no idea what a coronal mass ejection was so I looked it up. Space.com explains, "Coronal mass ejections are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the sun's atmosphere — the corona." That 'expulsion' has triggered the northern lights. This light show was visible to some on Thursday and could be pretty intense here in Minnesota on Friday night. Find out when to watch for them below.
What Causes The Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, can be seen at night, but they’re actually caused by the sun. Space Place explains that a solar storm, or coronal mass ejection, is like the sun “burping” out a huge bubble of electrified gas that travels through space at high speeds. When this gas hits our atmosphere, it creates the beautiful display we see in the sky.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?
If you’re in Minnesota, Iowa, or Wisconsin, you have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights tonight. Scientists say the aurora might even be visible in parts of Nebraska.
For the best experience, try to find a spot away from city lights.
When Is the Best Time To See The Northern Lights?
The best time to see the auroras will be on Friday, October 4, starting around midnight and into the early hours of Saturday, October 5.
Amazing Northern Lights Spotted in Southeast Minnesota (PHOTOS)
Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio