We Could See Spectacular Northern Lights In Massachusetts This Month
I was scrolling through my emails and came upon an article about Northern Lights in the Patch (Massachusetts). Needless to say, I was super excited to read that there is a chance we could see the spectacular northern lights in Massachusetts this month. Forecasters are predicting March would be the best month in nearly 20 years to “see the curtains of mostly green but also pink, purple and red” skies, according to the write-up.
Apparently, the chances of seeing such an event are highly unlikely. However, because of “holes in Earth’s magnetic field” northern lights are likely to be more frequent and could reach as far south as Massachusetts.
Northern lights are also called aurora borealis are generally found in areas closer to Earth’s North Pole. With the right atmospheric conditions, the Patch reports, this ethereal spectacle might be see from as far south as Florida. They cite Business Insider in the article for this information. Experts believe this could happen because of solar activity. The sun plays an important part in the appearance of northern lights. And it all gets superpowered around the seasonal equinoxes. And the next one is coming on Tuesday, March 19…the first day of Spring.
How Do Northern Lights Happen?
I’ve never had the opportunity to see the aurora borealis (which translates to “the dawn), have you? Maybe you were privy to it last year. The Patch article pointed out that 2023’s largest aurora event happened last March, “when a series of solar activities triggered auroras powerful enough to be seen in places along the country’s southern border.”
How does all even happen? According to space.com, as heavenly beautiful as it appears in the sky to us, it’s actually a violent event. Here’s how it occurs:
“The northern lights are created when energized particles from the sun slam into Earth’s upper atmosphere at speeds of up to 45 million mph (72 million kph), but our planet’s magnetic field protects us from the onslaught. As Earth’s magnetic field redirects the particles toward the pole, the dramatic process transforms into a cinematic atmospheric phenomenon that dazzles and fascinates scientists and sky-watchers alike.” Okay, sign me up. Let’s all look to the skies for a glimpse next week. In the meantime, you can travel to see a better view. Travel + Leisure has it covered, below.
12 Best Places to See the Northern Lights Around the World https://t.co/B51fXNyfF0
— Travel + Leisure (@TravelLeisure) March 13, 2024
Hey, if you don’t get to see the northern lights, you can at least soak up a beautiful view of Boston and a fun drink at these spots:
15 Of The Best Rooftop Bars in Boston For A Drink With A View
