Northern Lights painted teh Skies Over Upstate New York on Saturday Night
Stunning displays of the aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, captivated residents across Upstate New York on the evening of September 14, 2024. From Sackets Harbor to locations further inland, vibrant hues of green, purple, adn red danced across the night sky, prompting widespread awe and a flurry of shared photographs.
this remarkable celestial event was triggered by a powerful geomagnetic storm, resulting from recent solar flares. While auroral activity isn’t uncommon in northern latitudes, the intensity and visibility of saturday’s display were extraordinary, reaching areas where the lights are rarely seen. Experts predict continued, though potentially less dramatic, auroral activity in the coming days, offering further opportunities for viewing.
The aurora was visible between 9:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. in Sackets Harbor, as documented in photos provided by Abigal CG. The phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with atoms and molecules in Earth’s atmosphere. These collisions release energy in the form of light, creating the mesmerizing patterns observed during an aurora.
Geomagnetic storms are categorized on a scale from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). The storm that caused Saturday’s display was a strong G4 event, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center. such storms can impact power grids, satellite operations, and radio communications, though no significant disruptions were reported in new York.
For those who missed Saturday’s show, or wish to increase their chances of witnessing future auroral displays, clear, dark skies away from city lights are essential.Websites like the Space Weather Prediction Center (https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/) provide forecasts and alerts for geomagnetic activity.
