At levels not seen since 2005, forecasters are predicting the likelihood of a geomagnetic storm. Towards the end of this week, Wisconsinites may be treated to the unusual sight of shimmering, colorful lights if they go outside to observe the night sky.
Typically, one must go far north in order to see the Aurora Borealis. However, experts estimate that the auroras may be visible as far south as Alabama and northern California because of a strong geomagnetic storm.
The Space Weather Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is keeping an eye on disturbances in the Earth’s magnetosphere caused by solar magnetic fields and plasma interacting with the planet.
The Space Weather Prediction Center’s Sean Dahl stated high confidence that Earth could be struck by a powerful geomagnetic storm, possibly to the extent not seen since 2005.
At an early Friday morning press conference, Dahl stated, “We are somewhat uncertain about the timing of these events because we’re talking about something that is 93 million miles away.”
Severe geomagnetic storms have the potential to interfere with GPS and electrical networks, according to former NOAA forecasts.
However, most people on Earth don’t really need to worry about solar flares because they don’t keep an eye on utilities or satellites.
Dahl stated, As far as what the general public should do, hopefully, they won’t have to do anything.
Advice for observing the Northern Lights in Wisconsin:
In most of the country, including Wisconsin, disruptions in the solar wind may appear like dancing lights in the sky if the timing is correct.
As of Friday afternoon, the National Space Weather Prediction Center’s map suggested that auroras might be seen in most of Wisconsin on Friday night, with northern Wisconsin perhaps seeing them into late Saturday night.
Meteorologist Woody Unruh of the National Weather Service says that Friday night could provide Wisconsinites in most sections of the state with an easy chance to see the Northern Lights, except from the risk of clouds remaining in some areas of north-central Wisconsin.
According to Unruh, the best place to watch auroras is to look north and away from city lights.
He continued, Heading to more rural areas with minimal light pollution would be ideal.
People can also witness the light show with the use of cell phone cameras, according to Brent Gordon of the Space Weather Prediction Center.
Gordon stated, Cell phone cameras are often better at capturing light than our eyes. Just step outside your back door, take a picture with a new cell phone, and you ll be amazed at what you see in the picture compared to what you see with your eyes.
