Rare Opportunity to See the Northern Lights in Parts of the U.S.

and the storm will hit Earth on Monday. This could create rare opportunities for skywatchers to catch a glimpse of the stunning aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that the aurora will be visible in parts of the northern United States, including Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. The best viewing times are expected to be from late evening on Monday until early morning on Tuesday. The last time the northern lights were visible in these states was back in 2004, when a similar solar storm occurred. This natural phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth's magnetic field and collide with gas particles in the atmosphere, creating colorful light displays in the sky. For those hoping to catch a glimpse of this rare event, finding a dark and clear viewing spot away from city lights is key. Additionally, it is important to check the weather forecast and look for clear skies in the designated viewing areas. If you are unable to see the northern lights in person, there are live streams available online, including on the Explore.org website. The website also has a live camera in Churchill, Canada, which is known as one of the best places in the world to view the northern lights. Experts recommend keeping an eye on the NOAA website for updates and the forecast for the best viewing times. While it is uncertain how long the aurora will be visible, it is expected to be a short-lived event. So don't miss out on this rare opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of the northern lights in parts of the U.S."