Northern Lights Could Appear Tonight in Upstate New York
A strong G3 geomagnetic storm is bringing the aurora borealis much farther south than usual, offering Upstate New York a chance to witness this stunning natural phenomenon tonight.
Storm Details and Impact
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G3 geomagnetic storm alert for Thursday night, November 7. This intense solar storm may illuminate the skies with colors typically seen only near the Arctic Circle.
- The aurora could be visible as far south as parts of Nebraska, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, and New York's Hudson Valley.
- The event has a Kp index of 7 out of 9, classifying it as a strong geomagnetic storm.
- This storm can push the auroral oval much farther south than normal.
Viewing Conditions and Locations
Upstate New York skies may be partly to mostly cloudy around 10 p.m., but the aurora can sometimes be seen even through thin clouds. The best viewing time is around midnight, when the storm is expected to peak, though earlier sightings are possible.
Meteorologist Eric Snitil said prime viewing will be in northern New York, especially near Plattsburgh, Rouses Point, and the eastern Adirondacks.
The Catskills and Hudson Valley may also experience visible auroras if cloud cover is minimal.
Summary
Thanks to a strong geomagnetic storm, many parts of the continental U.S. could see the northern lights tonight, with Upstate New York among the prime viewing spots.
Author’s Summary
A powerful geomagnetic storm might light the northern skies of Upstate New York tonight, offering a rare southern display of the aurora borealis despite potential cloud cover.