Some areas of the United States may witness the northern lights this Thanksgiving

Solar storms are expected to create minor to moderate geomagnetic storms on Thanksgiving and the following day, potentially giving some in the U.S. the chance to see the northern lights. The eruption of a high-energy plasma cloud from the sun on Monday is responsible for this event. Areas most likely to see the auroras include Washington, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine, as well as parts of Idaho, Wyoming, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Clear conditions are best for viewing the lights, but cloudiness may limit visibility in parts of the Northeast and Great Lakes regions. The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are typically only seen at high altitudes, but intense solar storms can make them visible in areas farther south than usual. The sun is currently in a cycle of increased activity leading up to an expected peak in July, which is why the northern lights have been visible in more southern locations this year. NOAA is monitoring the situation and providing forecasts on their Aurora Dashboard for those interested in seeing the auroras. While the solar storms are not expected to cause major disruptions to communication systems, viewers are encouraged to track the latest updates for the best chance of witnessing the colorful display in the night sky.

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