NEW YORK — New Yorkers may catch a rare glimpse of the Northern Lights Monday evening, due to a solar storm expected to hit Earth.
The Northern Lights — a.k.a. the aurora borealis — have entranced humankind for millennia, inspiring all types of folklore and myths. But the science behind the celestial light display is a bit complicated.
Basically, the Northern Lights are the result of fast-moving particles from the Sun colliding with the oxygen and nitrogen gas in Earth’s atmosphere.
The aurora typically hangs around our planet’s magnetic north pole. But because of the latest geomagnetic storm — or disturbance in the Earth’s magnetosphere — forecasters say the Northern Lights could be visible in states as far south as New York and Virginia.
The storm has been classified as a “G2” on NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center’s five-point scale. For reference, G1 storms are considered minor, while G5 storms are considered extreme.
According to forecasters, a G2 storm could disrupt power grids and affect spacecraft.
Most often, the auroras initially appear as tall rays that look like a colorful curtain made of folds of cloth, according to NOAA.
“During the evening these rays form arcs that stretch from horizon to horizon,” the agency said on its website. “Late in the evening, near midnight, the arcs often begin to twist and sway, just as if a wind were blowing on the curtains of light. At some point, the arcs may expand to fill the whole sky, moving rapidly and becoming very bright. This is the peak of what is called an auroral substorm.”
We can’t really predict where in New York you’ll see the Northern Lights (if at all). But it’s probably best to stay away from the city. You know — because of light pollution.
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