Solar storm could make Northern Lights visible from Seattle
Severe geomagnetic storm expected this weekend
Posted: May 10, 2024 at 4:23 pm
Keep an eye on the skies on Saturday night. One of the biggest solar storms in recent memory is hitting Earth this weekend, and it could make the Northern Lights visible from Seattle.
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with Earth's magnetic field. The particles are drawn to the magnetic poles, where they collide with atoms and molecules in the atmosphere, causing them to emit light.
The intensity of the aurora depends on the strength of the solar storm. The storm expected this weekend is a G3-class storm, which is considered strong. This means that the aurora could be visible as far south as Seattle.
If you're hoping to see the Northern Lights, find a spot with a clear view of the northern horizon. The best time to see the aurora is typically around midnight.
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