Conditions favorable for aurora borealis: Will northern lights be visible in MA this week?
In theory, people in Massachusetts might be able to see the northern lights later this week, based on information from the Geophysical Institute of Fairbanks, Alaska.
At the beginning of May, New England states witnessed "the strongest display of the northern lights in the last 20 years," according to Massachusetts Institute of Technology Technical Instructor and Observatory Manager Tim Brothers.
Predictions made in late May from various experts indicate that New England could again witness the northern lights, or aurora borealis, as they are also known.
Here's when - and why - they could show up.
What causes the northern lights?
Northern lights are caused by the sun.
"The northern lights are created when energized particles from the sun slam into Earth's upper atmosphere at speeds of up to 45 million mph, but our planet's magnetic field protects us from energetic assault," according to Space.com. "As Earth's magnetic field redirects the particles toward the poles the dramatic process transforms into a cinematic atmospheric phenomenon that dazzles and fascinates scientists and sky-watchers alike."
Brothers explained in a past interview with Wicked Local, "It's the ejection of material from the sun that causes this reaction."
Northern Lights: Another chance to see the aurora? Predictions say this weekend could be good.
Why are the northern lights so active?
The sun goes through phases on an 11-year solar cycle, according to Space.com.
Right now, it's nearing the peak of that cycle, known as "solar maximum." During this moment, the sun emits more solar flares and coronal mass ejections, massive bubbles of plasma threaded by rejected magnetic field lines, Space.com stated.
How could the northern lights show up again this week?
The sunspot that created the May 10 event is moving back into the position capable of creating another show.
"Just as Earth rotates on its axis making a complete rotation every 24 hours, the sun spins on an axis making a complete rotation in 27 days," Geophysical Institute of Fairbanks, Alaska wrote. That 27-day rotation completes on June 6, meaning it's possible the northern lights will be visible at low latitudes again then.
The Space Weather Prediction Center confirmed that residents of the northeast may be able to see the northern lights "through" June 6 because of "solar flare potential of Region 3697" of the sun.
The event would coincide with a new moon (on June 6), which would make the northern lights easier to see.
That being said, it's far from certain, with many cautioning that the event in May was rare and it would be unlikely (though not impossible) for a storm of that magnitude to be seen again so soon.
Places to check for northern lights forecast
If you want a chance at seeing the Northern Lights, here are some websites you can monitor the sun's activity:
Are solar flares that cause the lights dangerous?
"The ejection of material (from the sun) can actually affect national security," Brothers explained in a past interview with Wicked Local, adding the flares can disable satellites, and even power-grids on earth.
"If these (flares) are strong enough, they could cause satellites to just die," Brothers explained. "As far as I know, everything is OK after (the May display of lights), but it's definitely something to watch."
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the flares can also cause the loss of:
Water and wastewater distribution systems
Perishable foods and medications
Heating/air conditioning and electrical lighting systems
Computer systems, telephone systems, and communications systems
Public transportation systems
Fuel distribution systems and fuel pipelines
This article originally appeared on wickedlocal.com: When is the next aurora borealis? Will northern lights be visible MA?
