This Valentine’s Day, viewers in Canada and Alaska are in for a treat – a spectacular display of the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. A high-speed solar wind from a massive coronal hole in the sun is expected to cause a geomagnetic storm, making it likely that this spectacle will be visible.
The solar wind fuels the display by energizing atmospheric gases and creating those mesmerizing green and purple hues. For the best chance to see the aurora, find a dark location away from city lights. Unfortunately, Arizona residents won’t get to witness this phenomenon due to its location farther south.
Here’s what causes the northern lights: charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere when the sun releases a burst of energy, known as a solar wind or coronal mass ejection. The magnetic field directs these particles toward the polar regions, where they interact with gases like oxygen and nitrogen in the upper atmosphere.
The duration of the aurora varies, ranging from a few minutes to several hours, depending on solar activity and atmospheric conditions. In Arizona, the northern lights are unlikely to be visible due to its location outside the main viewing areas predicted by forecasters.
Viewing tips include looking north after sunset and hoping for clear skies, as auroras can be dynamic and unpredictable. While some may try to capture the display with cameras or other equipment, it’s also possible to witness this natural wonder with just the naked eye in a dark location away from city lights.
Source: https://eu.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/life/2025/02/14/northern-lights-valentines-day-2025/78633336007