Northern Lights Visible Tonight in Upstate New York
A strong G3 geomagnetic storm is pushing the aurora borealis far south of its usual Arctic range, offering Upstate New York a chance to witness one of nature’s most captivating displays.
Storm Details and Affected Areas
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G3 geomagnetic storm alert for Thursday night, November 7. This storm could illuminate the sky with colors normally seen near the Arctic Circle. Nearly half of the continental U.S. may get a glimpse of the aurora, including parts of Nebraska, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, and New York’s Hudson Valley.
Cause and Intensity
The storm is driven by solar activity sending a surge of energy toward Earth. With a Kp index of 7 out of 9, it qualifies as a strong geomagnetic event, pushing the auroral oval much farther south than usual.
Viewing Conditions and Locations
Upstate skies may be partly to mostly cloudy around 10 p.m., but the aurora can often shine through thin clouds. The best viewing time is around midnight when the storm is expected to peak, although earlier sightings are possible.
- Meteorologist Eric Snitil identifies prime viewing areas as northern New York, especially near Plattsburgh, Rouses Point, and the eastern Adirondacks.
- The Catskills and Hudson Valley also have potential for sightings if cloud cover lessens.
“Tonight’s storm is powered by solar activity that has sent a surge of energy hurtling toward Earth.” — NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center
“Meteorologist Eric Snitil predicts prime viewing in northern New York, especially near Plattsburgh, Rouses Point, and the eastern Adirondacks.”
Author’s summary: A rare geomagnetic storm tonight may allow many across Upstate New York and beyond to see dazzling northern lights, weather permitting.