Powerful 'equinox auroras' may arrive soon: Why changing seasons can bring the best northern lights

By Jamie Carter published 3 hours ago

Expect an uptick in aurora sightings near the spring equinox on March 20, as celestial geometry swings in favor of geomagnetic disturbances.



Geomagnetic activity can produce more frequent auroras around the equinoxes. (Image credit: Westend61 via Getty Images)

The sun is about to enter the Northern Hemisphere, which means some stunning auroras may be visible in the coming weeks.

At precisely 9:01 UTC (5:01 a.m. EDT) on March 20, our star will cross the celestial equator during the vernal (spring) equinox. Earth's axis will be side-on to the sun, meaning there will be more daylight in the Northern Hemisphere from then until June's solstice.

Besides the beginning of astronomical spring, it also signals the beginning of the end of aurora-hunting season north of the equator, since regions around the Arctic Circle at 66 degrees north will see sunrises and sunsets significantly earlier and later, respectively, until the solstice. Darkness will soon be in short supply.

However, aurora season could go out with a bang thanks to celestial geometry. An equinox occurs when Earth's axis is titled perpendicular to the sun, with every location on the planet receiving roughly equal amounts of sunlight and darkness. That can create an "equinox effect," leading to an increased likelihood of auroral activity around the spring and fall equinoxes.

More:
https://www.livescience.com/space/the-sun/powerful-equinox-auroras-may-arrive-soon-why-changing-seasons-can-bring-the-best-northern-lights