The most common aurora colors are a luminescent green, but the atmosphere could provide a range of colors from red to pink or blue to purple. This triggers reactions forcing photons of light activated by oxygen and nitrogen molecules in the upper atmosphere. The incoming solar particles and magnetic fields released from the sun during a CME force the release of particles already trapped in the earth’s atmosphere. NOAA’s Geomagnetic Storm Index, which indicates the magnitude of the solar activity, is predicting a Kp Index of 7 (out of 9), which corresponds to aurora activity as far south as Chicago, Detroit, Boston and Seattle. Because of the strength of the storm, the northern lights might be visible to many who usually don’t get to see them.

Of course, a pleasant effect of the incoming solar activity will be a dazzling display of the aurora borealis. The space weather center issued a G3 Watch (strong) for Thursday and added, “CME-related disturbances are forecast to continue into 11 December, likely resulting in G2 (Moderate) storm levels.” NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center says that the potential exists for strong storm levels “if the magnetic field carried with the CME connects well with Earth’s magnetosphere.” The incoming solar weather can actually cause communication disruptions such as GPS positioning errors and interference within our power grid.

If your favorite radio station crackles with static or your GPS strays by a few yards, it’s not just another byproduct of a crazy year.

Northern lights forecast seattle