Thanksgiving may be cool and rainy in parts of the U.S., but solar storms could light up night skies with the northern lights in select areas. Minor to moderate geomagnetic storms (G1 and G2) are expected Thursday and Friday due to a Monday filament eruption, when the sun released high-energy plasma toward Earth, NOAA reports.
The auroras, potentially visible in greens, reds, and purples, will depend on the storm’s intensity and duration. NOAA meteorologist Mike Bettwy predicts these displays will be brief and faint in most places. States like Washington, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine have the best chances of seeing the lights, while northern parts of Idaho, Wyoming, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire may also catch a glimpse.
The phenomenon occurs when coronal mass ejections send clouds of plasma toward Earth, interacting with the magnetic field and atmosphere to create vibrant displays near the poles. Viewing is expected Thursday evening through early Friday, though precise timing and visibility remain uncertain. Clear skies are ideal, but clouds may obstruct views over parts of the Northeast, New England, and the Great Lakes.
Unlike stronger solar storms earlier this year, this event is unlikely to disrupt communication systems. The sun’s 11-year activity cycle is nearing its peak next July, contributing to increased aurora sightings further south than usual in 2024. For updates, viewers can track activity and forecasts via NOAA’s Aurora Dashboard.
Also read: Severe Weather and Travel Delays Loom for Thanksgiving
