'Strong' geomagnetic storm headed for Earth; aurora borealis could dazzle tonight across northern US
Doyle Rice, USA TODAY - Yesterday 10:16 AM
Folks across the far northern U.S. could have a treat Wednesday night: the appearance of the aurora borealis, known as the northern lights, in the night sky.
Fairbanks residents treated to dazzling Northern Lights show
Thanks to a recent strong geomagnetic storm from the sun, the aurora might be visible in several northern states.
The storm is rated a G3, which is the third level of NOAA's five-level solar storm scale. (G1 storms are minor, and G5s are considered extreme.)
The colorful aurora forms when particles flowing from the sun get caught up in Earth's magnetic field. The particles interact with molecules of atmospheric gases to cause the famed glowing red and green colors of the aurora.
States where the aurora might be visible Wednesday night include Washington, Idaho, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, according to Accuweather.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/strong-geomagnetic-storm-headed-for-earth-aurora-borealis-could-dazzle-tonight-across-northern-us/ar-AAVGbBW?ocid=weather-verthp-feeds&cvid=10bcbd8f476f48f9b899a48c43050d41
