With so many of us stuck indoors a lot more these days, there's never been a better time to develop a newfound appreciation for the natural world.
Maybe you're thinking about stargazing or taking long walks out in the woods where it's peaceful and quiet, or even just tending to your own yard, if you're lucky enough to have one.
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So if you're in the mood to begin appreciating nature properly, then I have good news for you: the incredible Northern Lights will be visible from many parts of the United States tonight, giving viewers a jaw-dropping view of one of the world's most amazing natural phenomena.
According to a recent report by The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), G1 and G2 geomagnetic storms are due in the night skies between September 27-29, which will give Americans living in the northern United States a good view of the aurora borealis.
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The report states:
"Isolated G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm conditions are likely to continue through [September 27-28] ... A much larger coronal hole is expected on [September 29] further enhancing the solar wind conditions. A G2 (Moderate) storm watch has been issued for [September 29]."
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The report goes on to mention that the states where the Northern Lights will be visible include: northern Idaho, northern Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as Alaska and the whole of Canada.
According to NASA, although they might look magical and mystical, auroras are actually caused by the sun, which can eject large bubbles of electrified gas as a result of solar flares and storms.
While you're at it, take a look at another incredible natural phenomenon; a blood-red moonrise:
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These gas bubbles travel through the vacuum of space at great speeds, and then interfere with the planet Earth's natural magnetic fields when they reach our world. These magnetic fields are strongest at the Earth's north and south poles, which is why the lights can be seen so clearly the closer the observer is to them.
So there you have it: if you want to witness something more spectacular than any fireworks show, then step outside tonight and look upwards.














