Northern Lights May Ignite in Northeast, Central US Skies: Where to See Rare Show

[fizzgig]

Stargazers could be in for a rare display Friday night as an Earth-directed solar flare ignites the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, in the United States. As a result of the flare's direction and strength, the dazzling light display could reach as far south as Maryland in the East and down over Nebraska farther west.

According to AccuWeather.com Astronomer Hunter Outten, the flare is ranked as an X-class, or the highest class for a solar flare. Along with the brilliant light display that may be visible to some in the northern part of the country, a flare of this magnitude could also have adverse effects on GPS, radio frequencies and cell phone and satellite reception as well.

.....

There will be some hurdles present for some hopeful viewers, however. Outten pointed out that we're just getting out of the Supermoon, so the light will dull some of the views. There will also be some cloud coverage that will hinder views as well. Clouds will be especially problematic in the Upper Ohio Valley into the Northeast.

Some clouds reaching the northern Plains may also hinder viewing conditions.

the rest from accuweather.

it's supposed to be mostly clear here tomorrow night and my husaband agreed to make a run up to the wyoming line in hopes that we see it. i am pretty excite that i might be able to cross that off my list of things to do before i die.

[mnhtnbb]

1. I would love to see this...but we're too far south.

[DFW]

2. I wonder if we'll be able to see it in Europe

My part of Germany is about the same latitude as Labrador.

[Earth_First]

3. Doh!

Foiled again!

[femmocrat]

4. Maybe we will get lucky in PA.

Thanks for the info. I will be on the lookout!

[elleng]

5. Hope it makes it to southern MD,

where forecast is for 'mostly clear' til midnight, then 'partly cloudy.' Charging the camera!

[denbot]

6. Damn it

Near GA-FL line, will miss it by a day.

[elleng]

7. Just sunset,

at the moment!

[Nevada Blue]

8. I had 2 breathtaking Aurora experiences

both in Canada in 1971.

First was in Banff, AB - late at night, walking back to our campsite from the village. A group of us looked up and saw them and promptly lay down in the train depot parking lot to watch the most amazing greens and pinks and blues swirling through the sky.

The second was in late September - on the road between Rosetown and Kindersley Sask. Pulled over and watched for a full 30 minutes - beautiful display.

Now, living in Nevada, I doubt I'll ever see them again. But I'll never forget them. Good luck to all in the viewing zone tonight - and enjoy!

[magical thyme]

9. am in a good viewing area and was supposed to have a clear, cold night

Instead it's clouded up, so not looking so promising. Figures.