Northern Lights in NYC tonight? Aurora Forecast Could Mean This – NBC New York

A coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted from the Sun on Tuesday and is expected to reach Earth sometime on Thursday.

CMEs trigger geomagnetic storms that, when strong enough, can produce brighter and more active displays of the Northern Lights, which can be seen further south of the pole and, in cases like this, even as far away as the United States.

That means the Northern Lights could be visible over the next few nights for many northern states and some parts of the Lower Midwest as far south as Oregon.

Exactly how far south the northern lights can be seen depends on the intensity of the storm. Thursday's storm is not expected to reach the same strength as in May, when people across the East Coast reportedly saw the lights. But it could be enough to make the aurora visible in the northern half of our area.

And the sky conditions will be almost perfect for observing. Thanks to a prevailing high pressure system and an influx of dry air, clouds will not be a hindrance. Expect clear skies across the region.

The moon shouldn't be too intrusive either. As the brightest object in the night sky, the moon presents its own form of light pollution. If you're trying to view the sky, a new moon is ideal, while a full moon can be a hindrance.

Thursday has none of that. Instead, the moon will be in its first quarter phase, meaning there will be inevitable light, but nothing too damaging.

Otherwise, the best way to increase your chances of seeing the lights is to head further north and find a spot with no light pollution and a clear view of the northern sky. If possible, bring your best camera. Even if you can't see the northern lights with the naked eye, many cameras are still able to capture the phenomenon.

But before you grab your camera and head out state, be sure to also pack a jacket, if not a hat and gloves. Thursday night is expected to be the coolest night our area has experienced since April.

We'll stay in the 40s in the city and on Long Island, but north and west of town, where you have a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights, temperatures will drop to the mid and lower 30s.

In fact, the National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for much of this area. So if you're planning on heading out, make sure you're bundled up before you start looking up.

By Friday evening, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in our immediate area have disappeared. You would have to travel much further inland or even Canada to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights this time.