Understanding the Northern Lights: What You Need to Know

Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena, dreamed for by many. Many have missed witnessing it a few nights ago. But there are more opportunities ahead, particularly tonight. Meteorologist Steven Matr Grano illuminates what causes these beautiful lights and how you can see them.

What Causes the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are attributed to solar flares from the Sun. These flares hit Earth, hence causing those marvelous displays of color we know of under the Aurora Borealis. It’s amazing if one thinks that it is not randomly conducted; lights actually result from the complex play of solar activity with our atmosphere.

Understanding the Northern Lights: What You Need to Know
PHOTO SOURCE SOCIAL MEDIA

Why Are the Northern Lights So Far South?

It has been such a recent phenomenon that the Northern Lights have appeared way farther south than they normally do. This is because the solar storms occurring on Earth at present are quite intense. Predictions reveal the geomagnetic storm will continue throughout the night, meaning it is a great night for viewing.

Factors Which Cause Viewability

There are various factors which play a role in whether one can or cannot view the Northern Lights:

Light Pollution: Overlit areas may hinder your view. Look for dark places as far from the glow of city lights as possible.
Weather Conditions: Sky haze or thick clouds may put a block to your light-viewing. Clear skies are virtually a prerequisite to a fine view.
Local Geography: Open ground, such as a field or lakefront, can be a vantage spot.

Getting Ready for the Show

Here are some guidelines for you if you want to experience Northern Lights. If you have such a desire, view them under these tips.

Understanding the Northern Lights: What You Need to Know
PHOTO SOURCE SOCIAL MEDIA

Find a Dark Area: Lightly polluted places are those you will look for. Open fields, lakes, or beaches are ideal.
Look North: They usually appear in the northern sky so that you face in this direction.
Be Patient: The Northern Lights can be unpredictable. Sometimes it takes a while for them to actually appear.
Have Your Camera Ready: If you enjoy taking pictures, be prepared to capture the moment. Cameras often can pick up a lot more color than the human eye does.

Why They Are Drawn to the Aurora

People visit the Northern Lights for their diverse reasons. To some, it’s a thing on their bucket list. For others, like Ross McLendon, it was for seeing photographs of the Aurora. He got hooked at photographing the Aurora after he saw one last year. The thrill of possibly viewing one again keeps him looking up at night.

The Sunspot Requirement

High activity is the forecast for now, and forecalls are at a G4 to G5 level. At this rate, viewing chances for the Northern Lights are very good. The intensity of the storm may make the colors more vivid. This is the best time to be an Aurora chaser!

Understanding the Northern Lights: What You Need to Know
PHOTO SOURCE SOCIAL MEDIA

Final Thoughts

You can’t be sure of the Northern Lights- it’s more suspenseful, exhilarating in the chase. So if you go out in the dark at night, willing to sacrifice a little sleep, maybe you’ll catch an end reward in the form of spectacular light displays. Take your camera, head to a dark spot, and watch your sky. You never know when the next show will pop up!

All in all, knowing the science behind Northern Lights, being well-prepared and the right time, will increase your chances of watching this wondrous natural phenomenon. Good luck, Aurora hunters!

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