The Northern lights, also called an aurora borealis, are moving waves of lights seen in the night sky.
What to Know
- Northern lights, also known as aurora, have been seen in Europe Thursday night.
- Much of the Greater Boston area, and other parts of New England, were expected to have clear skies Thursday, allowing the northern lights to be seen
- Scroll down to see what the National Weather Service and Space Weather Prediction Center are saying about the aurora forecast Thursday night, as well as how to get a good picture
If you missed the spectacular showing of the northern lights in May, we're getting another chance to see them Thursday and Friday
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Space weather forecasters at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) have issued a severe (G4) geomagnetic storm watch for Thursday into Friday. Experts are monitoring the sun following a strong X-class solar flare and the resulting coronal mass ejection (CME).
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According to the SWPC, analysis of the CME associated suggests further enhancement and that reaching G4 (Severe) levels is likely with G5 (Extreme) levels possible. What that means is another chance to see colors dance across the sky.
In fact, people in England and other parts of Europe were reporting seeing aurora Thursday night.
Because of high pressure anchored in the region, clouds are not likely for many. Friday morning will be mostly clear across all of New England with a partly clear night Saturday night too.
Here's what local National Weather Service stations are saying about the forecast for Thursday night:
The northern lights may be visible across our area tonight, according to the NOAA NWS Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) . It should be clear and cool tonight across southern New England, with a stray cloud or two towards the Cape. #MAwx #RIwx #CTwx pic.twitter.com/loczHC5qO3
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) October 10, 2024
Are we going to see the aurora tonight? While skies aren't expected to be clear, current thinking is that the best chances to see the aurora will be in portions of the Champlain & St Lawrence Valleys. Unfortunately, cloudier conditions will stick around in the mountains. pic.twitter.com/gJ6OMMSrum
— NWS Burlington (@NWSBurlington) October 10, 2024
And here's the latest from the SWPC, as of Thursday evening:
G4 levels reached again! CME progression will continue overnight with periods of weakening and some escalation possible in geomagnetic storm levels. The G4 Watch remains in effect for 11 Oct and all applicable warnings remain in place. Visit https://t.co/YLUbTRMxS6 for the latest pic.twitter.com/rthy2vufUe
— NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) October 10, 2024
Given the strength of the CME, this aurora may be seen as far south as Charlotte, North Carolina, Fayetteville, Arkansas and Colorado.
While May's event was the most impressive recently, there have been other opportunities to spot the northern lights in New England.
More on the Northern Lights
For optimal photos:
- Get away from city light. Light pollution will dim the aurora’s view.
- Use long exposure and place your camera on a tripod.
- Use your camera to view the aurora. Your eyes have to adjust to the light, so viewing through the camera may be easier.
- Bring a jacket! Temperatures are in the 30s and 40s tonight.
Share photos with us at shareit@nbcboston.com.
