Northern Lights May Illuminate Skies Across Much of the U.S. This Weekend

I break down when and where you can see them

This weekend could bring an extraordinary celestial display to viewers as far south as Alabama and Northern California. A significant geomagnetic storm, traveling toward Earth, is expected to enhance the visibility of the aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Government forecasters have issued warnings about possible disruptions to communication systems, power grids, and satellite operations due to the storm. However, the event is also likely to provide a spectacular light show in the night sky, conditions permitting. Rob Steenburgh, a space scientist at NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, emphasized the unique opportunity for spectators: "If you happen to be in an area where it's dark and cloud-free, and relatively unpolluted by light, you may get to see a fairly impressive aurora display, which is really a gift from space weather."

The NOAA's map shows the potential visibility of the aurora across much of the northern half of the U.S., with a red line indicating how far south the lights might be seen.

For the best viewing experience, the National Weather Service in St. Louis advises enthusiasts to venture away from city lights. "Get away from city lights into a dark, rural surrounding and look north," they suggested on social media. The weather outlook is mostly clear, barring some clouds from a passing front.

Even those not directly under the aurora might catch a glimpse of the phenomenon, which can be observed from as far as 620 miles away, NOAA's website notes. Meanwhile, in the San Francisco Bay Area, chances are slimmer, though local weather officials remain hopeful.

The spectacle isn't confined to just Friday night; the geomagnetic storm is expected to last through the weekend, with NOAA releasing a forecast map for Saturday night as well.

Interestingly, Brent Gordon of the Space Weather Prediction Center pointed out that modern cellphones are quite adept at capturing these natural light shows. "Just go out your back door and take a picture with a newer cellphone, and you'd be amazed at what you see in that picture versus what you see with your eyes," he encouraged.

As Americans look up to the skies this weekend, the northern lights promise to provide a stunning backdrop, weather and light pollution permitting.