Binghamton, NY – Residents of Binghamton and the surrounding areas may have a rare chance to witness the Northern Lights tonight and Friday, as a powerful G4 geomagnetic storm reaches Earth. This storm, the most intense since earlier this spring, is expected to make the aurora visible as far south as Northern New York.
The National Weather Service forecasts partly clear skies tonight in Binghamton, with temperatures dropping to the upper 30s. While this provides excellent viewing conditions for the aurora, it also brings the potential for frost, especially in rural areas where skies fully clear. The best viewing times for the aurora are between 10 p.m. Thursday and 4 a.m. Friday, with rural areas away from city lights offering the best vantage points.
The geomagnetic storm, triggered by solar winds hitting Earth’s magnetic field, could produce vibrant green auroras and even rare purple hues. Purple auroras occur when the lights are over 100 km above the Earth, making them the rarest color to observe.
Friday night offers another chance to see the Northern Lights, with mostly clear skies forecast and temperatures dipping into the mid-40s. As frost could return in parts of the region, residents are encouraged to bundle up and find open areas for the best view of this rare celestial event.
