Brilliant splashes of green, purple, and pink will illuminate the night sky for many in North America. This weekend, stargazers can enjoy the spectacle of the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis. These lights appear when energized particles from space collide with Earth’s atmosphere, creating a striking display.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the northern United States and much of Canada will have prime viewing opportunities for this natural event. Auroras are most vivid directly overhead. However, they can still be seen from up to 1,000 kilometers away.
For the best view, look to the sky just after sunset or just before sunrise, as the aurora isn’t visible during the day. This display of lights is a result of space weather, says NASA. High-energy particles from space collide fiercely with atmospheric gas atoms near Earth’s magnetic pole, producing this awe-inspiring effect.
The geomagnetic storm responsible for the aurora is predicted to be strongest on Saturday night, offering the best chance to witness the display. Observing this spectacle is a rare opportunity for those not residing near the poles, where auroras occur most frequently.
In North America, March and November typically provide the best conditions to view auroras, although scientists are still researching why this is the case. The lights are usually most visible in the northern latitudes, including Russia, Norway, Sweden, and areas like Greenland and Alaska.
“For many, the aurora is a captivating nighttime display,” says NOAA. “Traveling to arctic areas to observe them is the only way for most to truly experience space weather.”
Rex the Tortoise: A Unique Journey in Scottsdale 
Pale Male’s Legacy Continues with New Chick