Solar Eruptions Will Make Northern Lights Visible From the Continental US

Solar Eruptions Will Make , Northern Lights Visible , From the Continental US.

LifeHacker reports that a massive geomagnetic storm that occurred over recent days will cause large solar flares, or Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), to interfere with Earth's atmosphere.

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The CMEs will also provide people in southern locations to see the aurora borealis, otherwise known as the northern lights, this week.

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The brilliant nighttime displays will be visible in Washington, Wyoming and Maine, with chances of spotting it as far south as Texas.

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According to University of Alaska Fairbanks, November 7 through 8 may offer skygazers the chance to witness the rare phenomenon.

Normally, the aurora borealis is only visible between latitudes of 60 and 75 degrees, meaning Alaska is the only U.S. location where they would be visible.

According to Lifehacker, we are heading into a period of increased solar activity, with the recent large eruptions potentially signaling more geomagnetic storms on the way.

Three days of high auroral activity have been forecast for Thanksgiving weekend, between November 22 and 25, improving chances of spotting the northern lights.

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Solar activity peaks every 11 years, with the peak of the current cycle expected to hit in 2025.

While the northern lights are a beautiful side effect, solar flares can have a potentially devastating impact on our modern electrical infrastructure.

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While the northern lights are a beautiful side effect, solar flares can have a potentially devastating impact on our modern electrical infrastructure.

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A powerful enough solar flare could have enough power to take down the world's electric system, knock satellites out of orbit and shut down global communcations