MANCHESTER, N.H. —
If skies are clear, it might be possible to catch a glimpse of the northern lights in New Hampshire this weekend.
Three coronal mass ejections have sent bursts of charged particles from the sun toward Earth, which could trigger strong geomagnetic storms.
The aurora is incredibly difficult to forecast, but the first CME is expected to hit the atmosphere Friday afternoon. It’s possible that the geomagnetic activity would last after sunset, so the northern lights could be visible.
Additional aurora chances are expected Saturday and Sunday nights. While charged particles from the sun will hit the atmosphere, the strength of the solar wind will determine how far south the auroras can be seen.
The third CME was launched by an M-class solar flare that caused something called a solar tsunami, a wave of hot plasma and magnetic energy that ripples across the surface of the sun at a speed of more than 1 million mph.
The flare was not pointed directly at Earth, so the CME associated with it might just graze the atmosphere.
Viewing Tips:Find a dark location: Escape city lights by heading to rural areas or elevated spots which offer darker skies and unobstructed views to the north.Use your camera: Smartphone cameras can capture more light than the naked eye, revealing colors that might be invisible to you.Be patient: Auroras can be unpredictable. Arrive early, stay alert, and give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness.
While the northern lights can be visible to the naked eye, their visibility depends on factors such as weather, aurora strength, and your location. Using a slow-shutter speed on your camera will allow for a better view.