Current:Home > MyNorthern lights forecast: These Midwest states may catch Monday's light show-InfoLens
Northern lights forecast: These Midwest states may catch Monday's light show
View Date:2024-12-23 11:38:27
Nature's light show could be on full display Monday night for some northern Midwestern states.
That's according to a geomagnetic storm warning for Monday night from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center.
In simpler terms, the storm could cause northern lights to be visible in areas across the northern U.S. The outbreak of northern lights comes after a coronal mass ejection launched from the Sun on Saturday is expected to arrive at Earth Monday night.
Once the ejection gets to Earth, a beautiful aurora borealis occurs, giving us a beautiful light show.
Forecasters expect the best time to see the northern lights on Monday will be between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. ET. The areas expected to have the most activity in the U.S. are the northern Midwestern states like Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
What is a coronal mass ejection?
A coronal mass ejection is a large plume of plasma and magnetic field that is released from the Sun during a solar flare described as an X-class solar flare. According to Space.com, these types of flares are the strongest class of solar flares. These types of ejections carry electrically charged atoms, more commonly known as ions.
These ions are what cause northern lights, as when they interact with our planet's magnetosphere the phenomenon can happen. Gasses and ions interact in our atmosphere, making all the colors in the night sky.
What are the effects of a geomagnetic storm?
According to the NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, storms like the one forecasted can cause voltage irregularities in power systems causing false alarms on some protection systems.
GPS systems could also have some temporary problems.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
veryGood! (1714)
Related
- Investigators believe Wisconsin kayaker faked his own death before fleeing to eastern Europe
- Fergie shares rare photos of son with Josh Duhamel in birthday tribute: 'I love you Axl Jack'
- Texas judge rules as unconstitutional a law that erodes city regulations in favor of state control
- LOOK: World record 92,003 fans watch Nebraska volleyball match at Memorial Stadium
- What’s the secret to growing strong, healthy nails?
- Trump lawyers oppose DA's request to try all 19 Georgia election defendants together
- Biden to send $95 million to Maui to strengthen electrical grid, disaster prevention
- As back-to-school costs soar, experts provide tips to help families save
- The USDA is testing raw milk for the avian flu. Is raw milk safe?
- An Air Force crew captured video of rare St. Elmo's fire when they evacuated ahead of Idalia. What is this phenomenon?
Ranking
- Jax Taylor Breaks Silence on Brittany Cartwright Dating His Friend Amid Their Divorce
- Jasmine Cephas Jones shares grief 'battle,' mourns father Ron: 'Miss you beyond words'
- Newsom plans to transform San Quentin State Prison. Lawmakers and the public have had little input
- CNN names new CEO as Mark Thompson, former BBC and New York Times chief
- AIT Community Introduce
- Four people held in a problem-plagued jail have died over the span of a month
- Olympic medalist Lindsey Vonn addresses struggles after retirement, knee replacement
- Connecticut US Senator Chris Murphy tests positive for coronavirus
Recommendation
-
King Charles III celebrates 76th birthday amid cancer battle, opens food hubs
-
TikToker Levi Jed Murphy Reveals His Favorite Part of “Extreme” Plastic Surgery Is “Getting Content”
-
Step Inside the Stunning California Abode Alex Cooper and Fiancé Matt Kaplan Call Home
-
Newsom plans to transform San Quentin State Prison. Lawmakers and the public have had little input
-
Judge hears case over Montana rule blocking trans residents from changing sex on birth certificate
-
Jihad Ward gives his perspective on viral confrontation with Aaron Rodgers
-
Pennsylvania is considering an earlier 2024 presidential primary, partly to avoid voting on Passover
-
California prison on generator power after wildfires knock out electricity and fill cells with smoke