Current:Home > ScamsNorthern lights forecast: These Midwest states may catch Monday's light show -FutureFinance
Northern lights forecast: These Midwest states may catch Monday's light show
View
Date:2025-04-16 20:13:22
Nature's light show could be on full display Monday night for some northern Midwestern states.
That's according to a geomagnetic storm warning for Monday night from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center.
In simpler terms, the storm could cause northern lights to be visible in areas across the northern U.S. The outbreak of northern lights comes after a coronal mass ejection launched from the Sun on Saturday is expected to arrive at Earth Monday night.
Once the ejection gets to Earth, a beautiful aurora borealis occurs, giving us a beautiful light show.
Forecasters expect the best time to see the northern lights on Monday will be between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. ET. The areas expected to have the most activity in the U.S. are the northern Midwestern states like Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
What is a coronal mass ejection?
A coronal mass ejection is a large plume of plasma and magnetic field that is released from the Sun during a solar flare described as an X-class solar flare. According to Space.com, these types of flares are the strongest class of solar flares. These types of ejections carry electrically charged atoms, more commonly known as ions.
These ions are what cause northern lights, as when they interact with our planet's magnetosphere the phenomenon can happen. Gasses and ions interact in our atmosphere, making all the colors in the night sky.
What are the effects of a geomagnetic storm?
According to the NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, storms like the one forecasted can cause voltage irregularities in power systems causing false alarms on some protection systems.
GPS systems could also have some temporary problems.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
veryGood! (85)
Related
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- U.S., Mexico ask WHO for emergency declaration over deadly fungal outbreak
- Australian mother pardoned after 20 years in prison for killing her young children
- Hurricanes vs. typhoons vs. cyclones: What's the difference between the three types of storms?
- Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
- Iranian model who wore noose dress at Cannes says she wanted to highlight wrongful executions in her country
- Biden sex assault accuser Tara Reade asks for Russian citizenship
- Afghan sisters who defied family and the Taliban to sing lost everything and now battle depression
- This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
- Why The Handmaid's Tale Showrunner Suddenly Stepped Down Before Season 6
Ranking
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- Ditch Your Self-Tanner and Save 65% On Sweat-Proof Tarte Bronzer That Lasts All Day
- U.S. suspends temporary cease-fire in Sudan, announces new sanctions
- Canada will be the first country to print warning labels on each cigarette: Poison in every puff
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Prince William and Kate show up for royal wedding of Jordan's own Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Alseif
- Power Rangers' Amy Jo Johnson Slams Rumors About Why She Didn't Participate in Reunion
- Bear blamed for Italy runner's death in Alps gets reprieve from being euthanized for now
Recommendation
The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Louisiana teen Cameron Robbins missing after going overboard on Bahamas cruise during graduation trip
How Meghan Markle Will Be Royally Recognized at Gracie Awards
Footprints revive hope of finding 4 children missing after plane crash in Colombia jungle
Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
Most-Shopped Celeb-Recommended Items This Month: Drew Barrymore, Sydney Sweeney, Lala Kent, and More
Allison Holker Pens Tribute to Her and Stephen tWitch Boss' Brave Son Maddox on 7th Birthday
Dancing With the Stars’ Carrie Ann Inaba Shares She Had Emergency Appendectomy