Northern Lights Visible Overnight Over Western North Carolina
Prediction of Intensity and Location of Aurora Borealis
March 23, 2023
WCCB North Carolina is predicting that a strong geomagnetic storm will bring the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, to western North Carolina tonight and tomorrow night. The intensity of the aurora is expected to be strong, with the best viewing possible from 10 pm to midnight. The aurora is expected to be visible across the state, with the best viewing in the western and northern areas.
The Northern Lights are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with the Earth's atmosphere. These particles are drawn to the Earth's magnetic poles, where they collide with atoms and molecules in the atmosphere, causing them to emit light. The color of the aurora depends on the type of atom or molecule that is struck by the charged particles.
The intensity of the aurora is influenced by the strength of the solar wind. When the solar wind is strong, the aurora is more intense. The location of the aurora is also influenced by the strength of the solar wind. When the solar wind is strong, the aurora can be seen as far south as Florida. However, when the solar wind is weak, the aurora is only visible in the northernmost parts of the United States.
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