SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) – Central New Yorkers could be treated to yet another spectacular view overhead the next couple of nights!
When can we see it?
With a geomagnetic storm affecting the Earth, this means the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, could occur but it is a bit delayed in occurring. It now looks like the best time would be Thursday night and not Wednesday night.
How does this happen?
The geomagnetic storm is a result of a coronal mass ejection from the sun. This is a process by which a solar flare creates a large suspension of plasma. Particles of that plasma then travel toward the Earth, down polar magnetic fields, and enter our atmosphere.
As these particles meet up with different gases our atmosphere is comprised of, this is when the bright, colorful glow appears.
When’s the best time to try and see it?
Here in Central New York, those bright strands of green and purple have the potential to be seen beginning later this evening.
According to NOAA’s forecast CNY has another chance Thursday night and Friday morning May 11-12 at viewing the light show.
To get the best view, we need minimal cloud cover overhead. It is also recommended that you get somewhere well away from the influence of city lights in a completely dark area and look north after 10 p.m.
It may be tough for anyone in the North Country to see them as there will likely be a deck of clouds and passing showers late Thursday night and early Friday morning.
If you get a great picture of the Northern Lights, don’t forget to share it with us!
