Solar activity during the current solar cycle is surpassing predictions made by both the NOAA and NASA Solar Cycle 25 Prediction Panel.
“Skywatchers are excited,” said Mark Miesch, a research scientist at the University of Colorado – Boulder and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in an interview with NBC News.
The heightened sunspot activity translates to increased opportunities for witnessing the Northern Lights at more southerly latitudes than typically observed.
Top 40+ Places to See The Northern Lights in Oregon, Washington & Idaho
Residents in the PNW should keep an eye out for upcoming aurora forecasts in the years ahead, especially in 2025, which is anticipated to be the peak of Solar Cycle 25.
Just last week, the heightened solar activity manifested in mesmerizing displays of light across the Northern Tier. Observations of the Northern Lights were reported in states such as Michigan, Montana, and Minnesota, painting the sky with vibrant hues of green, red, and purple.
Normally confined to the polar regions, the Northern Lights are now making appearances farther south due to escalating solar activity. Preceding the recent sightings in the U.S., the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) in Boulder, Colorado, issued a Geomagnetic Storm Watch following the detection of an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun.
The SWPC has been diligently monitoring solar activity as the Sun approaches the peak of its 11-year cycle during Solar Cycle 25, which commenced in 2019. Just this week, the SWPC issued another G2 (Moderate) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for Monday, coinciding with the arrival of a CME.
“This aligns with our expectations as we approach the solar maximum,” stated Space Scientist Robert Steenburgh of NOAA’s Space Weather Forecast Office, in an interview with FOX Weather. “We are heading towards the maximum of our 11-year solar cycle, and this level of activity is well within the range we consider normal for this phase.”
“When there’s a big disturbance in the magnetic field, then you’re more likely to see aurora at lower latitudes,” Miesch said as reported by NBC News.
This will almost double the likelihood of northern lights in the coming days, Miesch said as reported by NBC News.
Top 40+ Places to See The Northern Lights in Oregon, Washington & Idaho
Sources: Deseret.com to NBC News to Fox Weather because they were #1 ranked organic when searched to confirm information.
https://www.deseret.com/2023/9/26/23890835/northern-lights-forecast-to-be-brightest-in-20-years
https://www.nbcnews.com/data-graphics/northern-lights-forecast-diagram-graphic-2024-rcna99053
https://www.foxweather.com/earth-space/northern-lights-aurora-solar-activity-increase
Ads (that we are not charging for at this time, we just believe in their products and services.)
Advertisements:
PNW Social Team has worked with Sarahi on various projects for over a decade! We highly recommend her Hair & Makeup Services: https://www.pureeleganceartistry.com/
We LOVE The Vegan Formula Facewash & Soy Candles from Pure Beauty
