This Thanksgiving and Black Friday, skywatchers in parts of the northern United States might witness the Northern Lights due to a geomagnetic storm caused by a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun. The NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G1 (minor) storm watch for Thursday, November 28, and a G2 (moderate) storm watch for Friday, November 29.
During these conditions, the aurora borealis could be visible as far south as New York, Washington, Michigan, and Wisconsin, extending to parts of the Pacific Northwest, like northern Washington. Viewing is best in dark areas away from city lights, but a winter storm may obscure visibility in some regions due to clouds and precipitation【6】【7】.
To optimize your chances, check NOAA’s aurora forecast tools and plan to view in locations with clear skies. Besides offering a beautiful display, geomagnetic storms may also temporarily affect GPS systems and power grids【6】【7】.
