Aurora Borealis Expected to be Visible as Far South as California

NOAA Issues Geomagnetic Storm Watch for May 11

Rare Solar Event Could Produce Spectacular Light Show

The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, is a natural light display that occurs in the Earth's sky, primarily in the high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic. It is caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with the Earth's magnetic field.

While the aurora borealis is typically only visible in northern latitudes, it is occasionally visible as far south as the mid-latitudes during severe geomagnetic storms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a severe geomagnetic storm watch for May 11, the first time since 2005.

If the storm occurs as predicted, the aurora borealis could be visible as far south as Alabama and northern California. Photographers around the world are eagerly anticipating the event, as the aurora borealis is a rare and beautiful sight.