Sat Oct 12 03:15:28 UTC 2024: ## Northern Lights Shine Bright Across US as Sun Reaches Peak Activity
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, have been putting on a spectacular show across the US this week, with sightings stretching far beyond the Arctic Circle. Experts attribute this heightened visibility to the sun reaching the “maximum” point of its 11-year solar cycle.
This cycle sees the sun’s magnetic poles flip, leading to a period of increased activity marked by powerful solar eruptions and flares. These eruptions release streams of charged particles, known as solar wind, which travel towards Earth.
Upon reaching Earth, the charged particles collide with gases in the atmosphere, creating the vibrant, swirling displays of the Aurora Borealis. This current cycle began in 2019 and is expected to peak next year, meaning that the spectacular aurora displays will likely continue for many months to come.
The latest display, which occurred on Thursday night, was the strongest since May and was visible from as far south as Kent, UK. Time-lapse images from Reykjavik, Iceland, capture the dazzling spectacle while stunning photographs show the aurora illuminating the skies from Scotland to Wales.
Experts warn that to get a good view of the aurora, observers need to find dark locations away from artificial light and clear skies. They also predict that with the high solar activity and numerous sunspots, we are likely to see more of these beautiful light displays in the coming months.
First Piper 