The Northern Lights May Be Visible Over Thanksgiving Weekend

After enjoying your Thanksgiving dinner this week, look up at the night sky as a solar storm is expected to reach Earth and produce the northern lights. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the aurora borealis should be visible on Thanksgiving and Black Friday in various parts of the northern United States.

A coronal mass ejection (CME) currently approaching Earth prompted NOAA to issue a a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm watch on Thursday, November 28, and a G2 (moderate) watch on Friday, November 29. All geomagnetic storms are classified on a scale of G1 to G5 depending on their severity.

Although the geomagnetic storm isn’t expected to be as severe as some others we’ve experienced this year, the northern lights may still be visible as low as New York to Wisconsin to Washington.

Those interested in viewing the aurora borealis are advised to travel away from city and street lights, which increases your chances of seeing the glowing lights. Skywatchers should check NOAA’s aurora view line for the best chance to see the colorful display.

Since the sun is within the most active part of its 11-year cycle, also known as the solar maximum, the sun produces more geomagnetic and solar storms, according to NOAA. So, if you don’t get a glimpse of the lights this Thanksgiving, there should be another opportunity to view them soon.