Get Ready
It did it again. According to the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), this week's unusually strong solar flare activity may lead to the northern lights being visible in various parts of the United States, including Massachusetts. The SWPC has forecasted that four coronal mass ejections, originating from a sunspot that is 16 times larger than Earth, will converge and hit our planet late on Friday or early Saturday. Referred to as a "cannibal CME," these ejections are expected to pack a powerful punch upon reaching Earth. Senior editor of Sky & Telescope, Kelly Beatty, described them as appearing to overtake each other. In response to this event, the SWPC has issued a "G4" level storm watch which could result in an aurora being visible as low as Alabama and northern California. Geomagnetic storms are rated on a scale from 1 to 5, with level 4 being classified as "severe."
The current sunspot, responsible for ejecting five CMEs, has reached a size of 15 times that of Earth. This is comparable to the sunspot behind the infamous Carrington Event of 1859, known as the strongest geomagnetic storm on record. The event produced visible auroras in unexpected places such as Cuba and Hawaii and caused fires at telegraph offices.
During the notorious Carrington Event, it was reported that telegraph lines were experiencing electrical sparks due to induced voltages. As stated by Alan Woodward, a space weather expert and professor at the University of Surrey, this occurrence was the strongest one ever recorded. If such an incident were to occur in present times, the impact on our highly reliant electronic devices would be significantly disruptive on Earth.
The effects on space-based systems would likely be felt first, as they are not shielded by the atmosphere. This is why solar weather monitoring is crucial for satellite safety, as it allows operators to take necessary precautions and fortify their equipment against potential solar flares.
So, is Massachusetts in for a Northern Lights display? A 'low horizon glow' from the aurora might be visible.
Could this weekend offer a glimpse of the Northern Lights?
Meteorologists believe there's a chance for clear enough skies to allow residents of Massachusetts to witness a 'low horizon glow' from the aurora during this 'unusual and potentially historic event.'
"The main factor for viewing the Northern Lights is the clarity of the skies," explained National Weather Service meteorologist Bill Leatham.
"Parts of western and central Massachusetts, particularly in southern New England, might have sufficient clearing to potentially observe the Northern Lights late into the night," he stated from the NWS Boston office.
A significant solar storm is raising the possibility of seeing the aurora throughout the northern part of the country, reaching as far south as Alabama, this weekend.
The NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued its first severe (G4) geomagnetic watch since 2005.
"This could be an unusual and potentially historic occurrence," noted Clinton Wallace, director of the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.
To increase the chances of seeing the Northern Lights, one should move away from city lights and find a clear view towards the north.
"Avoiding light pollution is a general guideline," said Leatham.
"The more northward you travel, the better your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights," he added.
The best opportunity to see the Northern Lights this weekend is in Northern New England.