Early Tuesday morning, residents of the far northern United States will be given another opportunity to witness the mesmerizing spectacle of the aurora borealis.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), the sun’s barrage of charged particles may induce captivating light displays in the skies over Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Maine, and upstate New York.
The chances of witnessing the aurora are approximately between 30 percent and 50 percent, with the highest probability in the northernmost areas. The optimal time to catch a glimpse of the aurora is expected to be around 3:15 a.m. EDT.
If you’re located further south, there’s a chance you can capture glimpses of the mesmerizing aurora by simply holding your phone up to the sky and snapping some pictures.
Witnessing the tail end of the biggest geomagnetic storm in two decades is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those fortunate enough to see the northern lights. According to The Hill, this phenomenon occurs when charged particles from beneath the surface of the sun interact with the Earth’s magnetic field.
According to NOAA, the ongoing storms may cause temporary blackouts of high frequency radio signals and interfere with radio, satellite, and GPS communications on Monday afternoon. While the impacts are not expected to be severe, it is important to be aware of potential disruptions in these communication systems.