This month is certainly one for the books when it comes to celestial events. In case you hadn’t heard, later this month a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas Star will be visible in the skies above, due to a rare conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn. However, that’s not all the heavens have in store for us this month! Because of a geomagnetic solar storm that will last through Friday night, Idahoans may have a chance to view the Northern Lights. Definitely be sure to get out there tonightand/ortomorrow night to see this spectacular display for yourself.
For just a few days, a select number of northern U.S. states could have a chance at catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights, and Idaho is one of them!
It's all thanks to a geomagnetic solar storm that's making a real impact on the country this week. On December 7, a large solar flare and Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) hurtled toward earth. This activity has sent an abundance of highly-charged solar energy straight to our atmosphere, giving some of us the unique chance to catch some shimmering lights.
The map below is a prediction of where the Northern Lights may be visible in the U.S. through December 11 (Friday.) The yellow line marks the furthest south that the Northern Lights can potentially be observed. This means that areas of North Idaho have a chance, whereas central and southern Idaho will most likely miss out.
This is definitely exciting news for Idahoans, especially since travel to northern Scandinavia, Alaska, and Canada where you can typically see the Northern Lights isn't exactly plausible right now.
Consisting of brilliant shades of green, red, pink, white, and yellow, seeing a show like this in the Idaho night sky would be a real treat! The display that takes place this week may be more subtle, but we imagine it will be breathtaking just the same.
The incoming solar weather can also cause communication interference. If you hear your radio crackling or notice your GPS going wonky, you'll know that it's all because of this recent solar activity.
Of course, your best bet for seeing the Northern Lights in Idaho will be to venture to an area with little light pollution and clear skies. Once you've found that perfect spot, shift your gaze toward the horizon. With a little luck, an amazing display of lights will appear.
