Northern Lights May Be Visible In Massachusetts This Weekend

By KARA SEYMOUR (Patch Staff)

The skies across Massachusetts may light up with a rare treat this weekend.

Auroral activity will be high this Sunday, according to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, which makes predictions about where the northern lights will be seen.

The aurora forecast for Saturday is the highest, a 6 on a scale of 9, putting it at a high+ level, according to the university's Geophysical Institute. On Sunday it will be a 5.

Weather permitting, highly active auroral displays could be visible low on the horizon as far south as Annapolis, the institute says. On Sunday, the aurora activity continues at a higher than normal level, with displays visible on the horizon as far south as Boston. Click here to view the complete forecast.

Hopefully the weather won't rule out our chances of seeing the lights. Currently, the National Weather Service is predicting wind and snow Sunday morning, but clear skies Sunday night. Just be sure to bundle up if you're heading out to take a peak as Sunday's low is going to be 25 degrees.

Looking to catch a glimpse?

Here's what you need to know:

What are the northern lights?

It’s a little complicated, but here’s the basic gist.

The sun releases charged particles that collide with the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Those charged particles are drawn to the Earth’s north and south magnetic poles.

As a result, molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere become charged, then revert to normal energy levels. When that happens, they emit energy in the form of light, creating the beautiful displays in the sky.

The same thing happens in those neon signs outside your favorite bar.

Check out the NOAA’s Space and Weather Prediction Center for a more detailed explanation.

Why can we suddenly see them now way down here?

The sun doesn’t produce energy at a constant level.

During periods of higher activity, it will emit more charged particles, increasing the “auroral activity,” as scientists call it, here on Earth.

Where will I be able to see it?

The institute maps out where the northern lights will be visible. You can see the map above, or visit here for more information.

If you are above the green line, you should be able to see the aurora at night, weather permitting, the institute says.

How do I see it?

Like most cosmic events, find a dark place away from city lights and light pollution. The aurora will be visible towards the north pole, so look that way. The northern lights will be most visible between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., according to the institute.

Photo Courtesy the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute