A coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun is expected to bring the northern lights to parts of the northern United States from Wednesday, July 1, through Friday, July 3. The CME, which was directed towards Earth following an X-class solar flare on June 30, could trigger geomagnetic storms rated up to G3, according to SpaceWeather.com.
Aurora Visibility
The aurora may be visible in northern states near the U.S.-Canada border, particularly in Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and northern Wisconsin. Some forecasts suggest that the lights could be seen even farther south, reaching parts of the Midwest, depending on the strength of the geomagnetic storm. A G2 storm is considered moderate, while a G3 storm is more intense, potentially allowing for sightings in states such as South Dakota, Michigan, and Maine.
Viewing Conditions
Observers are advised to look northward during clear nights and to avoid bright lights to enhance visibility. The waning Strawberry Moon, which will be present in the southern sky after midnight, may hinder visibility of the aurora. For optimal viewing, photographers should use long-exposure settings on their cameras, as these can capture faint auroras that the human eye might miss.
The best viewing opportunity will occur if the storm reaches G3 levels, which could extend the visibility of the aurora to more southern states, including parts of Oregon, Wyoming, and even as far east as New York and New Hampshire.
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Sources: forbes.com, forbes.com.
Limited direct market relevance; the development matters more for astronomy enthusiasts and regional observers than for traded assets. Watch for updates on the geomagnetic storm's intensity and its impact on aurora visibility as the week progresses.