


Northern Lights over Eklutna Lake, Alaska, a phenomenon created by the interaction of solar particles and Earth’s magnetic field on Dec. 31, 2024. (Hasan Akbas/Anadolu via Getty Images)
(Hasan Akbas/Anadolu via Getty Images)
- On Friday, the aurora borealis could be seen as far south as Michigan and Maine.
- This splendid display on Valentine’s Day is attributed to a geomagnetic storm occurring this week.
If you’re situated in the northern part of the United States and are still finalizing your Valentine’s Day plans, you’re in for a treat—Mother Nature is about to put on a spectacular display that won’t cost you a dime.
The aurora borealis may grace the skies as far south as Michigan and Maine this Friday, according to reports from Space.com. For optimal viewing, dark skies are essential. Residents in Canada and Alaska are also expected to enjoy the Northern Lights display.
According to NOAA, a geomagnetic storm is currently sending a rapid flow of solar wind towards Earth, resulting in the beautiful colors of the night sky. The aurora borealis occurs when solar winds erupt from the sun collide with particles in Earth’s magnetic field.
For the best experience, stargazers should venture away from urban light pollution to fully appreciate the Northern Lights. The most intense viewings are expected between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, making it an ideal way to cap off a romantic evening if you have a dinner reservation.
(MORE FROM WEATHER.COM: Catch February’s Enchanting Night Sky Events)
This rewrite maintains the original information while enhancing readability and optimizing for SEO without resorting to keyword stuffing.
