The Aurora Borealis, more commonly known as the Northern Lights, is a stunning natural phenomenon that creates an incredible display of color that seems to dance across the sky. Though, sadly, they’re typically only seen in countries closest to the Arctic and Antarctic circles that are often remote.
Though if you’re one of the many who’s had witnessing this phenomenon on your bucket list you may actually be in luck this weekend–and no, you won’t have to fly to Iceland, Canada, Greenland, or Norway to see them!
A large Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) is expected to hit the earth’s atmosphere sometime Friday night, May 10th, into Saturday morning, May 11th. And that means the aurora borealis could potentially be seen in the skies above a large portion of the United States–including New York–this weekend!
The Space Weather Prediction Center defines Coronal Mass Ejections as “explosions of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s corona. They cause geomagnetic storms when they are directed at Earth.”
Geomagnetic storms can also trigger spectacular displays of the Northern Lights on Earth, and a geomagnetic storm this severe means the potential for the Northern Lights to be seen as far south as Alabama and Northern California!
Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the dazzling Northern Lights display in NY:
When will the Northern Lights be visible in NY?
New Yorkers will have a chance to potentially see the Northern Lights tonight, Friday, May 10th, into Saturday morning, May 11th.
According to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center, the best viewing times are usually within an hour or two of midnight, between 10 pm and 2 am local time.
Where can I see the Northern Lights in NY?
Due to NYC’s light pollution you’ll have to find a spot as dark as possible for the potential to see the lights. Places such as a dark park or beach will provide you with the best chance to see them.
Those in darker, more rural parts of New York have a better chance of catching the spectacle.
What are the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in NY?
The Geophysical Institute has a forecast ranking of Kp 8 on the geomagnetic index–which measures auroral activity. The scale ranges from zero to nine, with nine being the most active.
Last year in April 2023, the Kp value surpassed an 8 and the Northern Lights were seen as far south as the Texas panhandle.
Nothing is confirmed for sure though and clear viewing of the phenomenon isn’t guaranteed. Though if favorable weather conditions prevail New Yorkers may have a chance to see this magical spectacle.
Do I need to a telescope to see the Northern Lights in NY?
One of the (many) great things about the Northern Lights is that no special equipment is needed to see them! As long as you’ve found yourself a dark place to view them, simply looking up to the sky with the naked eye is enough.
When will the Northern Lights be visible next?
If you don’t get to see the lights this weekend there’s no need to panic as they may be be visible more often over the next few years.
According to the NOAA, we’re nearing the peak of Solar Cycle 25, an 11-year period in which the sun flips its north and south poles. When this happens, various weather events can occur that can bring geomagnetic storms, along with the northern lights, to Earth.
Moreover, Shannon Schmoll, the director of the Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University, told USA TODAY “There have been an increase in aurora seen in general on Earth. The sun has been more active, resulting in more solar storms that cause solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CME).”
How else can I see the Northern Lights?
If all else fails and the Northern Lights sadly aren’t visible in the sky where you are, you can always view them on this Northern Lights Live Stream from the comfort of your own home.