On Monday night, sky gazers may witness a captivating display of the northern lights if the weather permits. The U.S. Space Weather Prediction Center reported that a powerful X 1.9 solar flare, accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME), occurred recently. This particular flare stood out as it persisted for several hours, making it more potent than the typical flares of similar magnitude.
CMEs, which are explosive releases of solar particles, can create stunning auroras when they interact with Earth’s magnetic field. In this instance, Earth happens to be in the path of the CME, offering a chance for spectacular northern lights sightings.
The SWPC forecasts that the CME is expected to reach Earth between late January 19 and early January 20. This event is projected to trigger a severe geomagnetic storm, rated as a G4 on the scale from minor (G1) to extreme (G5). Notably, the geomagnetic storms in May 2024 and October 2024, which led to remarkable light displays as far south as the Caribbean, were classified as G5 storms.
While the northern lights are commonly observed in northern regions, under specific conditions like a southward-dipping auroral hole due to the CME’s particles, they may be visible farther south. Ideal viewing conditions include being in a dark, cloud-free location. Given the severity of the forecast, facing north may not be necessary, although it can aid visibility if the storm is moderate.
Despite the current active solar period, the presence of cloud cover during this time of year may hinder northern lights visibility. To enhance chances of spotting the auroras, individuals are advised to seek dark-sky locations. Additionally, there are apps such as Aurora Alerts and Aurora Forecast that can provide information on aurora borealis visibility in specific locations.