Guess what, Washington? Set your sights high in the sky tonight and Friday night and you just may get a rare peek at the beautiful Northern Lights this week due to a last-minute solar storm taking place. With the year we’ve had so far, we’ll take it!
Actually, as far as celestial events go, 2020 has been a phenomenal year.
Alexis Birkill / Moment Collection via Getty Images On the evening on December 21, 2020 for instance, a Christmas star will be seen high above the Evergreen State for the first time in eight centuries. (The best viewing time will be right after sunset, looking southwest.)
And back in the summer months, a comet whizzed right over the state in a show that hadn’t been viewed since the ancient Egyptians would have laid eyes on it.
Tero Patana / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
But this week, we’re focused on another wonderful sky show: the Northern Lights.
Cavan Images / Cavan Collection via Getty Images And while it’s not unheard of for say, Seattle, to see the Northern Lights on a few occasions, it’s rare that the entire state will have a chance to see them as well.
It’s all do to a solar storm that began on Wednesday.
US National Weather Service Cleveland OH / Facebook The storm is pushing the particles responsible for the bright colors in the sky much farther south than usual. In fact, nearly half of the U.S. is expecting to get to see this display.
If you’ve never actually witnessed the Northern Lights, then prepare your eyes (and soul) for a feast!
MDieterich / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images You’ll want to find a spot that’s as free as possible from light pollution. This photo was captured from Mount Rainier National Park during another appearance of the Northern Lights.
Once you’ve found your dark spot, all you need to do is turn your gaze toward the north and look at the horizon.
Jonathan Fox / Flickr
Have you witnessed the Northern Lights from Washtington before? We bet you have! Share your experiences (and photos) with us in the comments as well as over in our Washington Nature Lovers Group on Facebook!
Alexis Birkill / Moment Collection via Getty Images
On the evening on December 21, 2020 for instance, a Christmas star will be seen high above the Evergreen State for the first time in eight centuries. (The best viewing time will be right after sunset, looking southwest.)
Tero Patana / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
Cavan Images / Cavan Collection via Getty Images
And while it’s not unheard of for say, Seattle, to see the Northern Lights on a few occasions, it’s rare that the entire state will have a chance to see them as well.
US National Weather Service Cleveland OH / Facebook
The storm is pushing the particles responsible for the bright colors in the sky much farther south than usual. In fact, nearly half of the U.S. is expecting to get to see this display.
MDieterich / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
You’ll want to find a spot that’s as free as possible from light pollution. This photo was captured from Mount Rainier National Park during another appearance of the Northern Lights.
Jonathan Fox / Flickr
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