Michigan residents are in for a celestial treat this weekend as a severe solar storm is set to make the northern lights visible across the state, not just in the usual northern regions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a severe geomagnetic storm watch on Thursday, marking the first time since 2005 that the agency has put out a G4 alert.
- On Friday night, residents of Michigan might be able to see the northern lights.
- When it does occur, the light show usually only occurs in the state’s northern parts.
- Lower regions of the nation may be able to see the event thanks to a geomagnetic storm brought on by the sun’s coronal mass ejection.
Northern Lights in Michigan
- If you’re in Michigan, keep an eye out for the mesmerizing colors of the aurora. The sky may be painted in shades of pink, purple, and green as the solar storm continues.
- Generally, the northern lights are more commonly visible in the northern parts of the state, but this storm is making them visible throughout Michigan, including areas that don’t typically experience this phenomenon.
How It Works
- The auroras are caused by energized particles from the sun interacting with Earth’s magnetic field. These particles create beautiful light displays in the upper atmosphere.
- During this particular storm, coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are responsible for the auroras. These CMEs are massive bursts of solar wind and magnetic fields that reach our planet.
- Astrophysicist Janna Levin explains that while light from the sun usually takes just eight minutes to travel 93 million miles to Earth, the energized particles cause the aurora to move much slower. As a result, the phenomenon can last for hours or even tens of hours
Starting on Friday, a significant geomagnetic storm may affect Earth, allowing most of Michigan to see the northern lights rather than just the northern portion.
For the first time since 2005, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a severe geomagnetic storm watch on Thursday. This was known as a “G4” alert. It was predicted that the storm will enter Earth’s magnetic field on Friday and continue over the weekend.
NOAA Space Weather
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center reported in an update on Friday night that G5, or extreme, conditions have been seen for the first time since 2003.
Major disruptions in the Earth’s magnetosphere brought on by solar wind energy are known as geomagnetic storms. Following a coronal mass ejection, which releases massive amounts of plasma and magnetic fields, severe storms may develop. The NOAA said on Thursday that it had seen at least five “earth-directed” CMEs.
The agency also said that several powerful solar flares linked to a “large and magnetically complex” sunspot cluster 16 times the Earth’s diameter have occurred.
Solar cycle in 2019
Just three significant geomagnetic storms have occurred since the start of the solar cycle in 2019. The storm has the potential to seriously interfere with radio communications, spacecraft, and power systems.
During a press conference on Friday, Robert Steenburg, a space scientist at the Space Weather Prediction Center in Colorado, stated that the solar storm might “induce an electrical current that is not supposed to be there.” “It is our responsibility to notify the operators of these various systems so they are aware of the situation and can take appropriate action to lessen the effects.”
Northern lights
An ethereal light show known as the aurora borealis, or northern lights, is usually restricted to areas that are slightly closer to the northern and southern poles. However, depending on the storm’s severity, geomagnetic storms can make lights visible in locations closer to the equator.
It is anticipated that from late Friday and early Saturday, the phenomena will be apparent. Northern Michigan and regions farther north are usually where one can see the northern lights. But because of how strong the storm is, it will be visible as far south as Alabama.
According to MTU
According to Michigan Technological University, the best times to see the northern lights are after 10 p.m.; many experts advise delaying until after midnight. The northern lights are most visible in the night sky around this time.
“Because we’re talking about something from 93 million miles away, we’re less certain on the timing of these events,” Space Weather Prediction Center service coordinator Shawn Dahl stated in a press conference.
The arrival of these occurrences is exceedingly difficult to predict with a high degree of accuracy since there are so many moving parts in what is known as the solar wind. However, we are confident that this one will arrive on Earth. Just the timing is less predictable.
One of the greatest locations on the American mainland to see aurora borealis is the Upper Peninsula, thanks to its high northern latitudes and unhindered view from Lake Superior’s southern shore.
Solar Particles
Peak viewing occurs in April, October, and November (around the spring and fall equinoxes), when solar particles are most likely to interact with Earth’s magnetic field and produce ribbons of violet, pink, green, and blue light. However, the northern lights appear all year long.
Even though seeing the northern lights is difficult to come by and requires a combination of clear skies, a night, following weather forecasts, and a little bit of luck, there is still time this summer to do so.
The ideal day and time to visit them can be determined using the 30-minute forecast provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). You can utilize other apps to see when they’ll be the most visible.
FAQ:
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the northern lights (aurora borealis) visible in Michigan:
Q1: What Causes the Northern Lights?
- The northern lights are caused by energized particles from the sun colliding with Earth’s magnetic field. These collisions create beautiful light displays in the upper atmosphere.
- During a geomagnetic storm, such as the one currently happening, coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun interact with our planet’s magnetic field, leading to the auroras.
Q2: Why Are the Northern Lights Visible in Michigan?
- Michigan is located at a high latitude, making it a prime spot for viewing the aurora borealis.
- During intense solar activity, the northern lights can be visible even in areas farther south, including Michigan.
Q3: When Is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Michigan?
- Geomagnetic storms can occur unpredictably, but when they do, the best time to see the auroras is during the dark hours of the night.
- Keep an eye on space weather alerts and forecasts. If a severe geomagnetic storm is underway, head outside to witness the magical light show.
Q4: Where Should I Go to See the Northern Lights in Michigan?
- Ideally, find a location away from city lights to minimize light pollution. Head to open fields, lakeshores, or rural areas.
- The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is particularly known for its dark skies and excellent aurora viewing opportunities.
Q5: What Do the Northern Lights Look Like?
- The colors of the auroras vary, but common hues include green, pink, purple, and sometimes red.
- The lights dance across the sky in shimmering curtains or waves, creating a surreal and awe-inspiring experience.
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