The Aurora Borealis are typically confined to parts of Alaska, which means for those of us here in the U.S., the opportunity to see them is somewhat rare.
Well, until now, that is.
It has been reported that, in some select areas of the country, the northern lights will be visible.
Keep scrolling to find out if your area is one of them…
We’ve all heard of the Northern Lights …
The phenomenon, also known as Aurora Borealis, is actually created by bursting sunspots that push solar wind through our solar system.
And the collision creates what looks like a magical display of dancing purple and green lights across the sky.
There’s common in the far north.
But, for us here in the U.S, the extraordinary event can typically only be seen in certain parts of Alaska, which can be a trek for travelers outside the often inclement region.
However, the northern lights have been known to move down southward…
And they have made some rare appearances in the U.S. and Canada in the past.
According to The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), unusual space weather is driving the spectacular light show away from its usual Alaskan venue.
And tonight could very well be the night…
This means that the northern lights can now be spotted here in the U.S!
Which results in beautiful auroral displays.
It’s thanks to a series of geomagnetic disturbances.
These have left the sun’s surface, heading for Earth.
This means the Northern Lights could be heading (slightly) south.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center said solar storm influences from what are known as Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) and a Coronal Hole High Speed Stream have already reached Earth!
They arrived on Friday, but the effects could last all week until Sunday.
With Northern Lights already spotted early Sunday morning in Washington, Wyoming and Maine.
Pictures have been shared from Riverton, Wyoming, and Seattle, Washington.
But it’s not just about beautiful lights in the sky!
These disturbances could have some real-world impacts, too.
Including interference with communication systems and spacecraft operations.
And if the events are stronger than currently predicted, there will have to be a higher-level warning.
“Solar magnetic variability regulates the frequency and severity of space weather events and hazards, which can interfere with the electrical grid, degrade GPS signals, increase orbital drag on satellites, and pose radiation hazards to airline crews and astronauts,” the SWPC said.
Will you be taking a look up to the sky?