Here are some reasons you may see the northern lights during Halloween weekend
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You may just need to look up at a clear sky if you want to see a great display of Halloween lights this weekend.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the aurora borealis (or northern lights) could be visible in large parts of the northern U.S. over the weekend. You might be able to see the lights as far as Oregon, Iowa, and Pennsylvania.
On Thursday morning, a solar flare was visible and will reach Earth on Saturday. The Space Weather prediction centre at NOAA in Boulder, Colo. announced that there was a possibility of better visibility on Thursday. It also issued a G3 geomagnetic thunderstorm watch for Saturday.
The solar flare eruption caused a coronal Mass Ejection. This is a large cloud filled with solar-charged particles heading toward Earth. These particles may be what amplifies the northern lights.
It's a good idea to get out of cities and to areas with less light pollution if you want to see the lights better or have a greater chance of seeing them.
Scientists finally found the answer to the long-standing question about what causes the lights earlier this year. Scientists have concluded that the stunning displays of green, purple and blue lights are caused by disturbances in Earth's magnetic field. The phenomenon is created when cosmic waves, which launch high-speed electrons in the atmosphere, are generated.
NOAA also listed potential effects of the geomagnetic thunderstorm, including voltage irregularities and false alarms on certain protection devices, as well as interruptions in radio signals and navigation.
Even if you don't live in an area that might be lit up at this time, there are always Halloween movies to catch, pumpkin smashing or carving, and trick-or-treating around your neighborhood.
