7 days ago2 min read

Northern Lights Dance Across New England Skies Thursday Night

A strong geomagnetic storm brought the northern lights to all of New England Friday night. In fact, areas much farther south than New England were able to see them as well. This geomagnetic storm was rated as a G4 on the G1 to5 scale. The Kp index, another measure of the strength of a storm, topped out near 8.7. This scale runs from 1 to 9, so this event was near the top. The Northern Lights can become visible across northernmost New England with an index of 5 while southern New England can get into it with an index of 7.

Aiding in the display was the fact that the sun is nearing solar maximum, the peak of its 11-year cycle. This helped produce X-Class flares, the most powerful type. The most powerful solar storm documented in history was the "Carrington Event" in September of 1859. An extreme solar storm in July of 2012 may have been as strong as the 1859 event, but it missed earth. Solar maximum is expected to occur in 2025. NASA is expected to give an update on the progress of the current solar cycle on October 15th.

The fact that the sun is nearing maximum has resulted in several displays of the Northern Lights throughout this year in New England. The most vivid prior to last night occurred on May 10th, when the lights were seen as far south as Texas.

That May event was provided by a stronger solar storm than last night, but many reported more vivid colors this time around. Last night's event was also easier to see with the naked eye for a time. During the 7 o'clock hour, the lights were reported to be easily visible to the naked eye across all of New England. The lights then faded before returning in places later in the night. The lights continued to ebb and flow all night long.

Tonight, the Kp index will likely be back to around 5 or 6. Northernmost New England will have the best chance to see them again, but Aurora forecasts, like weather forecasts, aren't a certainty, so it'll be worth it to take a look anywhere in New England. Even if nothing is visible to the eye, take a picture with your phone on night mode and see if anything pops up.