Northern Lights Visible in Chicago Area Due to Geomagnetic Storm
Subheadline: Rare Severe Solar Storm Causes Aurora Borealis Display
Aurora Forecast Predicts Best Viewing Between 2 AM and 5 AM
Chicago-area residents and millions of others in the Northern Hemisphere had a rare opportunity to witness the Aurora Borealis this weekend. A severe geomagnetic storm from space caused dazzling displays of the Northern Lights, which were visible as far south as Chicago.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the geomagnetic storm was caused by a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun. The CME traveled towards Earth and interacted with the planet's magnetic field, creating the storm.
The best time to see the Northern Lights in the Chicago area was between 2 AM and 5 AM. During this time, the lights were most intense and could be seen with the naked eye. However, it was still possible to see the lights throughout the night, even if they were not as bright.
Aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is a natural light display that occurs in the Earth's sky, primarily in the high-latitude regions. It is caused by the interaction between charged particles from the solar wind and the Earth's magnetic field. The particles enter the Earth's atmosphere and collide with gas atoms, causing them to emit light.
The Northern Lights are a rare sight in Chicago, as the city is located too far south to typically see them. However, geomagnetic storms can cause the lights to be visible at lower latitudes. The last time the Northern Lights were visible in Chicago was in 2015.
Scientists at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago tracked the geomagnetic storm and provided updates on the best time to see the Northern Lights. They also offered tips on how to photograph the lights.
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