A series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun are expected to create stunning auroras visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California this weekend, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center.
These solar activities lead to the formation of auroras, also known as the northern lights (aurora borealis) and southern lights (aurora australis), which dance around Earth’s poles. When charged particles from coronal mass ejections interact with Earth’s magnetic field, they produce colorful lights in the atmosphere.
Recent geomagnetic storms caused by the sun have made auroras visible in unusual locations, such as New Mexico, Missouri, North Carolina, and California in the United States, as well as parts of the United Kingdom.
While the auroras may not always be directly overhead, experts advise watching the horizon for a potential colorful display. Even if the auroras are not visible to the naked eye, capturing images with a phone can reveal the beauty of the phenomenon.
