Northern Lights Likely to Grace New Jersey Skies Again Amid Strong Solar Storm Conditions
Tonight, New Jersey skywatchers may see the aurora borealis again. A powerful geomagnetic storm results from massive solar ejections. Space-weather monitoring agencies say the storm has caused northern US auroras and may hit New Jersey tonight.
In Earth’s magnetosphere, solar coronal mass ejections (CMEs) interact with upper atmosphere charged particles. These charged particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms above the planet, releasing photons that create green, red, pink, and violet auroras. NOAA has issued a G4 geomagnetic storm watch for severe space weather due to the strong CME sequence.
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New Jersey aurora hunting is thrilling and risky. Storms allow the display, but several factors determine whether the lights are visible from one location. Even a thin layer of high-level cirrus clouds can obscure the aurora, especially in lower latitudes and lower intensity. Tonight is forecast as “fair” to “moderate,” with cloud gaps and visible lights in darker areas.
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Timing matters too. The storm hit Earth earlier, but nighttime viewing is best. Aurora experts recommend viewing the lights between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, assuming clear skies and no urban glow. Early Sun eruptions may send particle streams toward Earth, strengthening the aurora later in the evening.
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The geomagnetic storm forecast impacts tech. Satellite, GPS, and electrical grid disruptions can occur during G4 storms. Though no major outages are expected, experts advise being aware of sensitive system impacts.
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Watch the show tonight from a clear northern horizon away from city lights. The latest cloud-cover forecast and turning off nearby artificial lights can improve sightings. Night mode or long exposure smartphone cameras can see faint auroras that humans miss in light-polluted skies. In New Jersey, the display may be less bright or intense than in northern states.
Whether New Jersey can see the northern lights depends on charged particles after sunset, clear skies, and the auroral oval pushing south under current geomagnetic conditions. The severe storm and earlier U.S. displays may make tonight’s viewing memorable.
Sources
NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center
Newsweek: “Northern Lights Live Updates: Power Grid Warning Issues For 11 States Amid Rare Solar Storm”
FOX Weather: “Cannibal geomagnetic storm creates vibrant Northern Lights across America: Similar aurora possible Wednesday”
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