Unusual Aurora Borealis Displays Green, Purple, and Red Arcs Across US Skies: A Level 5 Solar Storm Causes Rare Sighting

United States of America
Best viewing conditions were between midnight and 3 a.m. on Saturday morning.
Green, purple, and red arcs were visible in the skies.
On May 11, 2024, the aurora borealis put on a rare display across the US skies.
The unusual appearance was caused by a level 5 solar storm.
Unusual Aurora Borealis Displays Green, Purple, and Red Arcs Across US Skies: A Level 5 Solar Storm Causes Rare Sighting

On May 11, 2024, the aurora borealis, or northern lights, put on a spectacular show across the United States. This rare event was caused by the strongest solar storm in over 20 years and resulted in the unusual appearance of the aurora farther south than usual. The solar storm was classified as a level 5 on Friday and provided clear views of green, purple, and red arcs across the skies. The Space Weather Prediction Center expected similar conditions to continue on Saturday night, with potential for even better views depending on weather conditions.

The powerful solar flare activity made the aurora borealis visible unusually far south, with some star gazers catching sight of streaks of green, purple and red arcing across the skies. Those conditions are expected to continue, with the Space Weather Prediction Center suggesting that depending on how everything evolves, Sunday night might be even better than Saturday for views of the aurora. In areas with clear skies, the display on Sunday could be similar to what people witnessed on Friday.

The northern lights have been visible across the northern third of Colorado and are expected to continue being visible throughout the weekend. The best viewing conditions for the Northern Lights in Colorado will be between midnight and 3 a.m. on Saturday morning, although some clouds may be present across the northern mountains and portions of Colorado's Front Range.

The solar storm is also affecting Earth and may cause disruptions in communications, power grids, navigation, radio and satellite operations. The Space Weather Prediction Center observed extreme geomagnetic storm (G5) conditions on Friday evening. Scientists have observed multiple strong flares emitting from a large cluster of sunspots on the solar surface since Wednesday, with at least seven coronal mass ejections being observed and expected to continue through Sunday.

While the northern lights may be a breathtaking sight to behold, it's important not to engage in any activities that could put oneself or others in danger while attempting to view them. Always prioritize safety and follow all local guidelines when observing natural phenomena.


Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image

Confidence

91%

Doubts
  • The article mentions potential disruptions in communications and power grids due to the solar storm. I should verify if any specific areas or companies have reported such disruptions.
  • The article states that Sunday night might be even better than Saturday for views of the aurora. I should check weather conditions to confirm this.

Sources

98%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Northern lights expected to be visible across northern third of Colorado overnight

CBS News Site: https://www.cbsnews.com/articles/about-us/ Joe Ruch Saturday, 11 May 2024 19:26
  • Unique Points
    • A rare geomagnetic storm is underway and will result in the northern lights being visible across the northern third of Colorado.
    • The best viewing conditions for the Northern Lights in Colorado will be between midnight and 3 a.m. on Saturday morning.
    • Joe Ruch recommends heading towards Sterling or other parts of far northeastern Colorado for optimal viewing if in the Denver metro area.
    • The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, occur when Earth’s magnetic field allows protons and electrons from the sun to enter the atmosphere and create a light show.
  • Accuracy
    • Some clouds are possible across the northern mountains and portions of Colorado’s Front Range.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

96%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

The northern lights danced across the US last night. It could happen again Saturday.

USA Today Saturday, 11 May 2024 00:00
  • Unique Points
    • A massive solar storm, classified as an
  • Accuracy
    • It was caused by the strongest solar storm in more than 20 years
    • The northern lights appeared farther south than usual
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Northern Lights Put On Show Across U.S.

The Weather Channel The Weather Saturday, 11 May 2024 19:27
  • Unique Points
    • The aurora borealis, or northern lights, occurred on May 11, 2024
    • It was caused by the strongest solar storm in more than 20 years
    • The northern lights appeared farther south than usual
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

97%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Northern lights may be visible across parts of the US this weekend. Why are they so active right now?

CNN News Site: In-Depth Reporting and Analysis with Some Financial Conflicts and Sensational Language Ashley Strickland Friday, 10 May 2024 15:07
  • Unique Points
    • A solar storm is currently affecting Earth and may cause disruptions in communications, power grids, navigation, radio and satellite operations.
    • The Space Weather Prediction Center observed extreme geomagnetic storm (G5) conditions on Friday evening.
    • Solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun have the potential to create auroras that may be seen as far south as Alabama and Northern California.
    • Scientists observed multiple strong flares emitting from a large cluster of sunspots on the solar surface since Wednesday.
    • At least seven coronal mass ejections were observed, releasing in the direction of Earth and expected to continue through Sunday.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article provides accurate information about the solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun and their potential effects on Earth. It also includes expert opinions and precautionary measures taken by satellite operators and space agencies. However, it does not delve into any in-depth analysis or discussion of the causes or consequences of these solar events, which would have been helpful for a more comprehensive understanding.
    • The peak of the geomagnetic storm activity for Earth could occur between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. ET on Saturday, the center has forecasted.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

How to Observe the Northern Lights This Weekend

The New York Times Claire Moses Friday, 10 May 2024 22:09
  • Unique Points
    • Solar activity is expected to be high again on Saturday
    • Powerful solar flare activity made the aurora borealis visible unusually far south
    • The Space Weather Prediction Center expects similar conditions to continue on Sunday
    • The solar storm was a level 5 on Friday and gave clear views of green, purple, and red arcs across the skies
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication