Aurora Map Shows States Where Northern Lights May Appear on New Year's Eve
Summary
The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, may be visible in parts of the United States on New Year's Eve, including states as far south as Iowa and South Dakota. According to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, the lights could be seen in several northern states near the Canada border, depending on geomagnetic activity levels.Key Facts
- The northern lights might be seen in parts of the U.S. on New Year's Eve, reaching states like Iowa and South Dakota.
- NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center forecasts geomagnetic activity at a level of four out of nine.
- A map indicates potential aurora visibility in states such as Alaska, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, and others near the Canadian border.
- The northern lights result from electrons striking atoms in Earth's atmosphere, releasing energy as light.
- Best viewing times for the aurora are just after sunset or before sunrise; they're not visible during daylight.
- Auroras usually form 50 to 310 miles above Earth and can be seen from up to 620 miles away if conditions are favorable.
- The Earth's magnetic field guides these electrons, forming auroral ovals around the magnetic poles, which expand during strong geomagnetic storms.
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