Northern Lights may be visible on March 20

Northern Lights may be visible on March 20, according to a NASA forecast. This phenomenon is linked to a coronal mass ejection (CME) coinciding with the vernal equinox. The CME, which is a burst of charged particles from the sun, is expected to "graze" Earth's magnetic field. Typically, this would not result in a strong aurora, but the timing with the equinox enhances the chances. A G1-strength geomagnetic storm could occur, which is the weakest kind but can still allow Northern Lights to be seen. Areas where the aurora might be visible include northern states like Washington, Idaho, Montana, and several others. The equinox on March 20 happens at 09:00 UTC, marking equal day and night across the globe and signaling the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. During equinox periods, auroras become more likely due to the way Earth's magnetic field interacts with solar wind. Solar activity is currently high, following the sun's "solar maximum," which occurs every 11 years. This heightened activity means more opportunities to see the auroras as they can reach further south than usual during significant solar events. While Northern Lights are mostly visible in polar regions, intense conditions can push visibility further south. Even when it's not particularly likely to see them, the auroras are always present in the atmosphere. Clear skies will enhance viewing opportunities for those wishing to see this natural light display.