Will Massachusetts see the northern lights this week? Maps show a slight chance.
There is a small chance for Massachusetts and many states across the U.S. to see the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis.
NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center issued a G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm watch after a powerful coronal mass ejection or CME erupted from the sun the evening of May 30. According to NOAA, based off the strength of this storm the northern lights could become visible over much of the northern half of the U.S. and possibly as far south as Alabama.
What are the chances of seeing the northern lights?
On Sunday, the KP index, which is used to characterize the magnitude of geomagnetic storms dropped to a 7 after being at an 8 earlier in the day. As of Monday afternoon, it was down to a five.
NOAA noted that while the CME passage is slowly weakening, solar wind conditions remain elevated, therefore periods of G3-G4 (strong - severe) remain possible.
The CMEs were expected to arrive to Earth sometime Sunday leading to immediate geomagnetic disturbances with the potential for G3 (Strong) levels, and a chance for G4 (Severe) levels.
Northern lights seen in parts of U.S.
While there are no reports of the northern lights being seen in Massachusetts yet, they have been photographed in Colorado, Missouri, Nevada and as far south as New Mexico Sunday morning.
NOAA says we may have the possibility to see the northern lights again on Monday, June 2 and Tuesday, June 3, however geomagnetic storm levels will likely begin subsiding, weakening enough by Monday evening, that G1 (Minor) storm levels is the most likely peak response.
If you catch the northern lights please send pictures to: [email protected]
