Additional Coverage:
Aurora Borealis Display Expected This Weekend
North Americans are eagerly anticipating a potentially spectacular display of the aurora borealis this weekend. Two massive solar flares have erupted from the sun, creating conditions favorable for an intense light show.
The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, may be visible across Canada and the northern United States on Friday and Saturday nights. According to forecasts, the display could rival the best shows in decades.
Geomagnetic activity is expected to be strong on Friday evening and moderate on Saturday, allowing auroras to be seen as far south as Oregon, Nebraska, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
The flares, classified as X9.0 and X7.1, were the largest seen in years. They released charged ions that interact with gases in Earth’s magnetosphere, producing the brilliant lights of the aurora borealis.