The aurora borealis appears further south than usual.. What is the reason?

Arab Weather - The aurora borealis is expected to appear in more southern regions compared to its natural location in the far north of the Earth. The northern lights are likely to be visible in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England, in addition to some US states such as Iowa, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. So far, there is not enough information about the possibility of seeing this phenomenon in the Arab world.

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Cause of the aurora: Solar storms

The aurora borealis is caused by solar storms interacting with gases in Earth's atmosphere. The storms are caused by a large solar flare, which was captured Thursday by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. The observatory, which monitors the sun around the clock, captured a massive flare caused by a massive burst of energy, which is why weather activity and aurora are expected to increase.

Effects of solar flares

Solar flares and associated eruptions can affect several vital systems, such as radio communications, electrical power grids, and navigation signals. They also pose threats to spacecraft and astronauts. The National Weather Service has issued a geomagnetic storm warning for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to alert the public to potential disruptions to navigation, power, and radio systems.

How to watch the aurora borealis

According to the UK Met Office, "Saturday night is most likely to see the Northern Lights in southern areas, particularly across central England." Those wishing to see the Northern Lights are best off late at night, starting at 11pm.

Last night, #Alaska was treated to stunning Northern Lights

A G4 geomagnetic storm is on the way, making the aurora visible across much of the northern hemisphere. States are in for a spectacular show! #northernlights #AuroraBorealis #NorthernLights #Aurora … pic.twitter.com/XeUtCRfhNC

— Chill Mind (@chillminded) October 11, 2024

Tips for viewing the aurora borealis

The Guardian offered advice from Silvia Dalla, a professor of solar physics at the University of Central Lancashire, who said:

“To maximize your chances of seeing the aurora borealis, the sky should be as clear as possible. Look north, and try to find a place with a dark sky, away from city lights, where light pollution can interfere with viewing.”

To increase your chances of seeing this magical phenomenon, it is advisable to observe from areas far from light pollution in cities, and to choose late night times, when the green and purple colors appear in the sky, dancing thanks to solar storms that decorate the horizon.

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What is the Aurora Borealis phenomenon?

Aurora Borealis Covers Sky After Solar Storm