"On Tuesday night, the Aurora borealis may be visible in parts of more than half of all U.S. states. That's a few more than the usual six or so Northern states that are used to seeing the lit up skies. That's because solar storms can change visibility, making the spectacle visible to more locations in times of heightened geomagnetic activity."
"According to an announcement from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric's Space Weather Prediction Center, that's precisely what's in the forecast this evening as geomagnetic activity has been strengthening, reaching G4 (severe) levels early this morning at around 3:23 EST. Essentially, when it comes to hopeful viewers, that could mean some amazing visuals, as the heightened activity will make for a stronger aurora."
"According to the SWPC's projected view line, the lights will are predicted to be visible in: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Wyoming, Washington, and Wisconsin. Of course, nothing is set in stone. The view line is just a prediction that could change as the storm shifts, the agency says."
Geomagnetic activity strengthened to G4 (severe) levels around 3:23 a.m. EST, producing conditions favorable for widespread auroral displays on the evening of Jan. 20. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center projects the Aurora borealis may be visible across more than half of U.S. states, extending far beyond the usual northern locales and including many central and eastern states. Visibility expanded recently into southern states such as Alabama and New Mexico, and tonight's view line lists Alaska and numerous contiguous states from Colorado to New York. Visibility timing centers near midnight, within an hour or two before or after, though the projection could change as the storm shifts.
Read at Fast Company
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