Residents of New Jersey might get a rare glimpse of the Northern Lights on Thursday night into early Friday morning, thanks to a severe geomagnetic storm caused by a large solar flare.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a geomagnetic storm watch, forecasting that the storm could reach Earth between early Thursday morning and noon ET, with effects potentially lasting through Friday. The storm has been classified at a G4 level, which is considered severe.
Geomagnetic storms are triggered by explosions on the sun, sending charged particles toward Earth that create a stunning light display in the sky, known as the aurora borealis or the Northern Lights. Usually visible in northern regions, this storm could make the lights visible much farther south, including in the tri-state area.
While the Northern Lights are a beautiful phenomenon, there could be some side effects. NOAA has warned that the storm could potentially disrupt infrastructure, including power grids and GPS systems. However, officials say there’s no need for public concern.
Similar solar storms have occurred earlier this year, including one in May that reached the rare “extreme” G5 level, and another in August. While these storms raised concerns, no widespread power outages or communications disruptions were reported.
On Tuesday night, the Northern Lights were briefly visible across parts of New Jersey during a G3-level solar storm, and with the upcoming G4 storm, skywatchers may have another chance to witness the dazzling lights.
Aurora borealis. Is that where aurora outerwear got their name from?