You May Be Able to See Northern Lights in These U.S. States Friday

Uptick in Solar Activity Expected to Bring Show to Lower Latitudes

Celestial spectacle could reach as far south as Pennsylvania

The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are usually confined to the skies above the Arctic Circle. But this week, thanks to a strong geomagnetic storm, the light show will be visible as far south as Pennsylvania, potentially even reaching as far south as Tennessee.

The storm is expected to reach its peak on Friday, March 10, and the Northern Lights will be visible in the northern sky after nightfall. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the storm is a G3-class storm, which means it has the potential to cause significant disruptions to power grids and communications systems.

However, the storm also means that people in the lower latitudes will have a rare opportunity to see the Northern Lights. If you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the aurora, find a location with dark skies and as little light pollution as possible. You'll also need to be patient, as the lights can be faint and may take some time to appear.

The Northern Lights are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with the Earth's magnetic field. The particles are drawn to the magnetic poles, where they collide with atoms and molecules in the atmosphere, causing them to emit light.

The color of the aurora depends on the type of atom or molecule that is being excited. Nitrogen atoms emit a green light, while oxygen atoms emit a red or green light. The most common color of the aurora is green, but it can also appear in shades of red, purple, and blue.

The Northern Lights are a truly amazing sight, and if you're lucky enough to see them, it's an experience you'll never forget.