New York Could Be Treated to Stunning Northern Lights

If you missed the Northern Lights over New York, you may get another chance.

Scientists are forecasting a strong geomagnetic storm, rated G4 or higher, for Wednesday, November 12.

What does this mean for folks in New York? If the skies are clear after dark, you might be lucky enough to catch the Northern Lights dancing above.

Usually, the aurora borealis sticks closer to Alaska or northern Minnesota. This storm is powerful enough that it could reach as far south as Florida, making it visible across the Empire State — from the Adirondacks to the Finger Lakes, and maybe even down to parts of the Hudson Valley.

What Makes Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are caused by the interaction between the sun’s solar winds and the Earth’s magnetic field.

READ MORE: NY Photographer Captures Northern Lights in Dazzling Time-Lapse Video

The best time to see the lights is usually within an hour or two of midnight. So, sometime between 10 PM and 2 AM.

The Space Weather Prediction Center suggests finding a dark place away from city lights to see the prism of floating color.

When to See the Lights

Charles Deehr, a professor emeritus and aurora forecaster at the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Geophysical Institute, says you'll need a little patience if you want to see the Aurora Borealis.

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If the activity is high, the lights can last about half an hour and occur every two hours.

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Latest Northern Lights Forecast

Meteorologists say the chances are good, and with the storm forecasted to be unusually strong, it’s a rare opportunity for New Yorkers to see the sky light up in green, pink, and purple.

So clear your schedule after dark Wednesday night, and maybe even grab your camera — this could be one of the most memorable skywatching events of the year right here in New York.