Seeing Northern Lights This Thanksgiving: A Possibility!

Get ready! This Thanksgiving, a special treat might be in store for parts of the U. S. Solar storms could paint the night sky with faint auroras. It's a fun natural show, but it depends on how strong the solar storms are. Some states are in a great spot to catch a glimpse: Washington, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine. Even the northern bits of Idaho, Wyoming, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire could get lucky! Skywatchers, here's when to look: from 10 p. m. Eastern Time on Thursday to 1 a. m. on Friday. It's tricky to say exactly when, so keep an eye on NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center for updates. Want to see the spectacle? Go outside when it's dark and clear, away from city lights. A smartphone camera might help spot hints of the aurora that aren't visible to the naked eye. Why this special light show? The sun is at its peak 11-year cycle, making solar surges and northern lights more common. Recently, the sun sent a blast of high-energy plasma Earth's way. This active period is set to last at least another year. Don't worry, experts don't think this week's solar storm will cause major communication issues. Back in May, a strong geomagnetic storm brought a rare severe warning, delighting skygazers across the Northern Hemisphere. Last month, a powerful solar storm surprised with auroras in places like Germany, the UK, New England, and even New York City!