It is predicted by the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) that a solar storm will intensify the Northern Lights this week. The solar storm should reach the Earth by March 14 and the Northern Lights should be able to be seen by the northernmost part of the United States. States like Michigan and Maine will be able to see the aurora borealis on March 14 and 15.

The solar storm is said to have originated from what scientists call a coronal hole, a region on the sun that allows high-speed particles to stream toward the planets. These particles will reach Earth and give the Northern Lights a little extra shine. Auroras occur when solar wind interacts with the Earth’s atmosphere over the poles. Occasionally strong solar storms can cause geomagnetic storms which could crash power grids, cause radio blackouts, and interfere with satellites. It is said to be a minor event but may affect some weaker power grids in the US.

Sadly those of us in Kentucky will not be able to see these incredible natural phenomena unless we travel to the northern states. We will be able to see incredible pictures and videos of it though.