What Causes the Northern Lights?
Normally, these vivid green and pink lights are only visible in places like Alaska, Canada, or Scandinavia. But when the sun releases strong bursts of charged particles, as it’s done recently — those particles can reach Earth and interact with our atmosphere in a much wider area. That’s when people further south get a chance to witness the show.
The northern lights happen when those particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere. The result? Glowing waves of light that ripple across the sky, sometimes resembling curtains, arcs, or pulsing waves.
Discovering the mesmerising beauty of Norway.🇳🇴🧵
1. The mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights ✨🌌
pic.twitter.com/erOhyVFNuF— Earth_Wanderer (@earth_tracker) June 14, 2025
Where and When to Watch
This weekend, states like Montana, Minnesota, Michigan, and even parts of New York, Wisconsin, and northern Illinois might be able to catch a glimpse — weather permitting. To improve your chances, find a dark area away from city lights and look to the north between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. You don’t need any fancy equipment — just a clear sky and some patience.
No Major Disruptions Expected
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says this event isn’t expected to cause much disruption. It’s strong enough to bring the lights farther south than usual, but not strong enough to interfere with electronics or communication systems.
A Magical Moment Not to Miss
If you’ve never seen the northern lights before, this might be your moment. It doesn’t happen often, and when it does, it’s something people remember for the rest of their lives. So grab a blanket, head outside, and keep your eyes on the sky. You might just catch something magical.
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