Aurora alert: Possible geomagnetic storm could bring northern lights as far south as New York (2024)

FAQs

Will New York see the northern lights? ›

Can you see the northern lights in NYC? These lights are usually only seen near the Earth's poles, but during more intense solar storms, they can be seen in the Tri-State area and even further south, like the last geomagnetic storm in NYC.

During geomagnetic storms the ions collide with gases in Earth's atmosphere and release energy in the form of light, we recognize this as the northern lights or aurora borealis in the Northern Hemisphere or the southern lights, or aurora australis in the Southern Hemisphere.

When the Sun is more active and larger amounts of plasma are erupting from the Sun's surface, more particles reach Earth's atmosphere, and the auroras occasionally extend to the middle latitudes. For example, the aurora borealis has been seen as far south as 40° latitude in the United States.

While the Northern Lights are typically spotted in places closer to the poles like Norway and Alaska, people around the U.S. were treated to a rare spectacle last weekend. The Aurora Borealis was visible as far south as Alabama and even parts of Florida.

Most of Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Maine are above the viewing line (see map below) and have a varying chance at seeing the lights, along with the northern parts of Washington and Idaho.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The rise in Northern Light displays doesn't look like it will stop anytime soon, so if you didn't get an opportunity to see it in Western New York last week, your chances are high to see it again!

The threshold of convulsive (spasmodic) readiness of the human brain is reduced. It is established that weak and moderate geomagnetic storms exert stimulating influence while the strong disturbances of the geomagnetic conditions activate braking (inhibiting) processes.

An emerging body of research has linked short-term increases in geomagnetic disturbances to a range of adverse health effects, including cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, behavioral diseases and increased total mortality, according to one 2022 study led by Zilli Vieira and published in Science of the ...

So humans can't feel this, but it does have impacts. How do these space particles make problems here on Earth? BRUMFIEL: Well, these particles are captured by the Earth's magnetic field. And depending on how they're aligned, they can cause big fluctuations in that field.

On rare occasions the aurora borealis can be seen as far south as the Mediterranean and the southern states of the US. During the Carrington Event, the greatest geomagnetic storm ever observed, auroras were seen even in the tropics.

What is the southern version of the aurora borealis? ›

In the Southern Hemisphere, it is called an aurora australis or the southern lights.

A good display may last for no longer than 15-30 minutes at a time, although if you're really lucky, it could extend to a couple of hours or longer. To see the Northern lights, the sky needs to be dark and clear of any clouds. Some people claim the aurora comes out when temperatures are colder.

Due to NYC's intense light pollution you'll have to find the darkest spot possible to see the lights. Places such as a dark park or beach will provide you with the best chance of seeing them. Those in darker, more rural parts of New York have a better chance of catching the spectacle.

The geomagnetic storm was the most powerful to affect Earth since March 1989, and produced aurorae at far more equatorial latitudes than usual in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. VIIRS image showing the aurora borealis over the Northern Hemisphere on 10–11 May. NOAA region no.

Over 150 years ago, the biggest solar storm on record lit up night skies around the world. The Northern Lights dazzled city skies as far south as Honolulu, Hawaii. Want to see what the storm would look like today? Check out the 1859 Carrington Event recreated in photos!

To see the Northern Lights in Yorkshire, especially in North Yorkshire, you need the right conditions. Typically, the more north you go, the better your chances. Top spots are rural areas away from light pollution, like the North York Moors National Park, Yorkshire Dales National Park, and Flamborough Head.

BENNETTE BEACH. Located right on the shores of Lake Erie, when you get to Bennette Beach there is no artificial light that would disturb your viewing of the Northern Lights.

Generally, northern Alaska will give guests the best shot to see the northern lights stateside, he added. Other parts of the U.S. like northern Maine can also offer sightings, according to Kristina Lynch, a professor of physics and astronomy at Dartmouth College.

The photo was taken from the International Space Station and clearly shows New York-area landmarks including Central Park, Roosevelt Island and the glowing lights of Times Square. You can even make out StuyTown. Check out the impressive pic below to find out just how well aliens can see your neighborhood.