For the best viewing experience of the northern lights, it is recommended to be away from city lights. However, it is important to note that solar winds could potentially disrupt Earth’s atmosphere, leading to interference with the power grid and radio signals.
Northern Californians have a unique opportunity to witness the northern lights, typically seen in Alaska, on Friday and Saturday night during a severe geomagnetic storm. This rare event may result in the phenomenon, known as aurora borealis, being visible in the United States from Alaska to Alabama.
According to the University of Alaska’s Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, the northern lights are expected to be most visible on Saturday night in California. The auroral displays can be seen overhead from northwest Canada to cities like Carson City, Oklahoma City, Little Rock, and Raleigh, and low on the horizon from Southern California, Phoenix, Austin, and Montgomery.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has been monitoring the sun since May 8 due to a series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections. These events can lead to geomagnetic storms that may disrupt various systems such as the power grid, radio signals, and GPS readings.
It is unlikely that the aurora borealis will be visible in major cities like San Francisco or Sacramento due to light pollution. To have a better chance of viewing the lights, it is recommended to visit national parks, remote beaches, or mountain peaks.
Good viewing spots suggested by sources include Mount Hamilton, Mount Diablo, or the Chabot Observatory in Oakland. Experts advise finding a dark, cloud-free, and unpolluted area to witness the impressive aurora display.
Cloud cover may affect visibility, but during peak times, the aurora will illuminate the sky with hues of purple, green, and blue. It is advisable to stay up late, allow your eyes to adjust, and consider using a long-exposure camera to capture the display.
In March 2023, the aurora was spotted near Shasta Lake in Northern California, which could be a potential viewing location for this weekend’s geomagnetic storm. While enthusiasts are excited about this rare event, officials are also considering potential disruptions to satellite communications, GPS systems, and power grids.
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