Skywatchers across the northern United States might be in for a treat tonight as the northern lights, or aurora borealis, could dazzle the skies on Black Friday.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm watch for Friday, signalling the potential for vibrant auroral displays across several states.
The geomagnetic storm could bring radiant displays of green, red, and purple hues to states including Washington, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine. Northern areas of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Idaho may also catch glimpses of the celestial show.
The best time for viewing is in the hours just before and after midnight, and NOAA advises heading to locations away from city lights for a clearer view.
Cloud cover may obstruct the view in parts of the Northeast and Great Lakes regions, but clear skies elsewhere offer promising conditions for skywatchers. For those capturing the auroras, smartphone cameras may reveal colours that are not easily visible to the naked eye.
Aurora activity peaks during the solar cycle
The northern lights have been more frequent this year as the sun approaches the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, known as the solar maximum. This heightened solar activity is expected to continue through 2025, increasing the likelihood of more auroral displays across the United States.
