Northern lights are possible in the northern US on Thanksgiving and Black Friday after NOAA space weather researchers say charged particles from the sun will create geomagnetic storm conditions.

According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), a coronal mass ejection – a burst of solar material – was observed leaving the sun on Monday.

The SWPC rates solar storms a five-point scalewith five being the most extreme and rare space weather conditions. For this event, the SWPC has issued a G1 (Minor) Geomagnetic Storm Warning for Thursday and a G2 (Moderate) Warning for Friday, when the arrival of the CME is expected.

When these particles interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, northern lights are created, the so-called aurora borealis. During mild (G1) and moderate (G2) geomagnetic storms, the Northern Lights may be visible at higher latitudes and in the United States in locations such as Maine and north Michigan.

The SWPC said northern lights displays would be possible in some northern states and the Upper Midwest on Friday.

Unfortunately, a coast-to-coast winter storm causing snow for some in the U.S. and rain for many may impact visibility of the sky and the Northern Lights.

Viewing the Northern Lights is easier if you can avoid light pollution from residential and city lights.

Another aspect of space weather is the impact it can have on critical systems we use every day on Earth, including the electrical grid, communications and GPS navigation.

Under the forecast moderate geomagnetic storm conditions, power grid fluctuations may occur and satellites in low Earth orbits may experience increased drag.

Original source of the article: Where to see Northern Lights on Black Friday as Geomagnetic Storm Watch is issued