By Matt Underwood Northern lights may be visible in eighteen US states tonight, which is pretty exciting, and the news has got me thinking. We’re talking about a potential celestial show for folks in states like Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Washington, South Dakota, Michigan, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Idaho, Alaska, Oregon, New York, Illinois, Nebraska, Iowa, Wyoming, and Wisconsin. That’s a pretty impressive list, a wide swath across the country! The excitement is palpable, even though, as someone pointed out, the aurora map they checked earlier seemed to shrink back a bit, making it a bit of a tease.
The whole thing is apparently due to a “symmetric full-halo Coronal Mass Ejection,” a fancy way of saying the sun is throwing a tantrum and ejecting a bunch of solar material and magnetic fields our way, according to NOAA. That description conjures images of some angry cosmic entity, doesn’t it? And while we’re on the topic of imagery, the article mentioned some photos that looked, shall we say, intense. One seemed like a screaming face, another like a monstrous gorilla in the sky. The takeaway here is that the photos often amplify the beauty, so manage those expectations, folks.
It’s also worth noting that your personal chances of seeing something spectacular vary. For instance, someone in Wisconsin was only seeing a 6% chance on an aurora app, which isn’t exactly encouraging. It’s a good reminder that the reality might not match the hype. There’s the potential for some disappointment, of course. I mean, we all remember those times we missed a phenomenal display, the kind that even reached down to California earlier this year. That’s a truly rare spectacle that I’d love to witness firsthand.
Speaking of missed opportunities, the sentiment of wishing you’d been there is pretty relatable. The story of someone missing the lights while visiting their kids in Flagstaff, Arizona, the other night really hits home. No luck in Texas, which is understandable; you wouldn’t expect the northern lights that far south. And let’s be honest, spotting them in Texas might be a little alarming! It does make me recall hearing of folklore surrounding the northern lights and their association with dark omens, like war.
Then, there are those cherished childhood memories. One person recalled being woken up by their grandpa to witness the lights – a beautiful memory, the only time they’ve seen them. It’s moments like these that make the whole experience so special. It’s also funny to see some folks’ frustration, with some folks even jokingly suggesting a wall with Canada to keep the smoke and the light pollution away. I get it, the atmosphere is important.
On the other hand, the reality of viewing is often less than perfect. A clear night on the Cape in Massachusetts still didn’t yield any sightings, and someone in Oregon, specifically the tiny portion of the state’s northeast corner, had to face the disappointment of missing out. That’s the bummer of this whole thing.
The discussion even veered into the realm of pop culture, with some clever references to *Peanuts* and *Earthbound*. The comparison to the boss from Earthbound, Giygas, is particularly funny, especially when coupled with the idea of trying to capture the lights with long exposure photography. That’s something I remember trying back in 2019, with only a faint hint of green visible to the naked eye.
So, what are the chances of actually seeing something? It’s a bit of a mixed bag. Someone in Minnesota reported a clear sky but no sightings, which is the perfect summation of the situation. Others are in the same boat. If you’re up north, though, you might have a shot, so go for it! The sun, in its explosive mood, is sending plenty of activity our way.
Remember that even if you don’t see the show with your eyes, you might still capture it in pictures with your phone. That’s what happened with at least one person the last time they missed out on the visible light show. So, keep an eye out, grab your camera, and prepare for the possibility of disappointment or a truly unforgettable experience. Either way, it’s an adventure.