Northern Lights Could Be Visible in Vermont This Weekend
Vermont residents and stargazers may be treated to a extraordinary display this weekend as conditions are favorable for viewing teh Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. Increased solar activity is predicted to bring the aurora as far south as Vermont, offering a rare chance to witness the phenomenon without traveling to northern latitudes.
The potential for a vibrant aurora display stems from a recent surge in solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun. These events send charged particles toward Earth, which interact with the planet’s magnetic field, creating the mesmerizing lights. According to the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), a geomagnetic storm watch is in effect, increasing the likelihood of visible auroras across a wider range of latitudes.
To maximize viewing opportunities, experts recommend escaping city lights and finding a dark location with an unobstructed view of the northern horizon. “We typically suggest getting away from cities and find an open field or hilltop to lay out under the stars and wait for the show to really peak at the late evening or early morning hours,” said Tim Brothers, Technical Instructor and Observatory Manager at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in a past interview with Wicked local. He added that heading to a local conservation area or park that minimizes light pollution, or a coastline away from larger cities, is ideal.
Several websites provide forecasts and real-time updates on aurora activity:
Aurora Alerts
the Space Weather Prediction Center
Space.com
Aurora forecast page (NOAA)
* Aurora Reach
The intensity and visibility of the aurora will depend on the strength of the geomagnetic storm and local weather conditions. Clear skies are essential for optimal viewing. While predicting the exact timing and location of the aurora is challenging, monitoring these resources will provide the most up-to-date details for potential sightings.
Maine also boasts designated “dark skies sanctuaries” – isolated forests with minimal light pollution – offering prime viewing locations for stargazing and auroral displays. These include locations highlighted in a recent Seacoast Online article: These isolated forests in Maine are ‘dark skies sanctuaries:’ See where.
