Another spectacular display of the Aurora Borealis is on the horizon

The Northern Lights to blaze across Oregon skies tonight

The National Weather Service has issued a Geomagnetic Storm Watch for tonight, May 11, 2024, at 3:13 pm PDT. This means there is a chance to see the aurora across all of NW Oregon and SW Washington.

The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, is a natural light display in the sky, primarily visible at high latitude regions (around the Arctic and Antarctic). It is caused by the interaction of charged particles from the solar wind with the Earth's magnetic field.

The intensity of the aurora can vary from faint, shimmering lights to brilliant, dancing displays that fill the sky. The color of the aurora depends on the type of gas particles that are interacting with the solar wind. Oxygen atoms produce green and red auroras, while nitrogen atoms produce blue and purple auroras.

The best time to see the aurora is typically during the winter months, when the nights are longer and the skies are darker. However, aurora displays can occur at any time of year, especially during periods of increased solar activity.

To see the aurora, find a dark location with a clear view of the northern horizon. Be patient, as it may take some time for the aurora to appear. If you are lucky, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking display of the northern lights.

Https Www Oregonlive Com Weather 2024 05 Northern Lights Put On A Show Above Oregon Washington Html

Https Www Oregonlive Com Weather 2024 05 Northern Lights Put On A Show Above Oregon Washington Html