Arkansas Might See The Northern Lights This Weekend

The Northern Lights in Arkansas? There is a possibility, if it happens we will see it tonight May 10 and or tomorrow night Saturday, May 11. 

How is this happening? The Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis are usually seen in the northern portions of North America, specifically Canada and the North Pole.

Scientists say the Northern Lights might be seen this weekend as far south as Arkansas and Alabama because of strong geomagnetic storms.

Since the beginning of May NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center has been tracking the solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CME).

These solar flares and the CMEs are supposed to reach Earth this weekend and produce geomagnetic storms and that is what produces the Aurora Borealis. These solar flares and CMEs can also affect and disrupt power grids, radio signals, communications systems, satellites and GPS.

These storms are categorized like severe weather watches and warnings. The one this weekend is supposed to be severe. The last one that was even stronger was in March but it peaked during the daylight hours so we couldn't see the Northern Lights.

What do we need to do to see the Northern Lights?

Tonight and Saturday night, first we need clear skies and be away from the city lights. Then look up into the Northern sky. The best time will be between 10 PM and 2 AM.

But also, according to USAToday,

Unlike terrestrial weather, scientists who forecast space weather – which includes the aurora – must rely on observations of the 93-million-miles-away sun to make their predictions.

 

Since Arkansas is so far south, the Northern Lights won't be strong. But if you see some glimmers of greens, yellows and oranges then that will be it!  Seriously, just the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights in our area this weekend is amazing! Fingers Crossed!

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