The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are most active right now due to increased solar activity. Sometimes the sun releases solar wind or solar flares, which emit charged particles. When these particles reach Earth and interact with our planet’s magnetic field, they cause electrons in the Earth’s magnetosphere to gain energy. When these energized electrons return to a lower energy state, they emit a light, which is what we see as the Auroras.
The visibility and intensity of Northern Lights can also be influenced by the 11-year solar cycle. During solar maximum (when sunspot and solar flare activity is high), you’re more likely to see auroras. So, if predictions of Northern Lights being visible across parts of the US are accurate, it may be related to such a peak in solar activity. However, the geographical spread and visibility of auroras can be quite unpredictable and depend on many variables, including weather and light pollution.
Northern lights may be visible across parts of the US this weekend. Why are they so active right now?
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are most active right now due to increased solar activity. Sometimes the sun releases solar wind or solar flares, which emit charged particles. When these particles reach Earth and interact with our planet’s magnetic field, they cause electrons in the Earth’s magnetosphere to gain energy. When these energized electrons return to a lower energy state, they emit a light, which is what we see as the Auroras.
The visibility and intensity of Northern Lights can also be influenced by the 11-year solar cycle. During solar maximum (when sunspot and solar flare activity is high), you’re more likely to see auroras. So, if predictions of Northern Lights being visible across parts of the US are accurate, it may be related to such a peak in solar activity. However, the geographical spread and visibility of auroras can be quite unpredictable and depend on many variables, including weather and light pollution.
