The year 2020 has proven to be a challenge in more ways than one, but one thing for sure is that celestial happenings have been stellar for most of the year. And this week we’re in for a show in Pennsylvania after a solar storm that began yesterday has pushed the cosmic Northern Lights farther down into the atmosphere than is normal. Seeing these lights from Pennsylvania could be considered a rare occurrence. And this may be the rare moment!
Back in the spring and summer, we were treated to all sorts of interesting things to look for in the night skies.
Joel Tonyan / Flickr One of them, a comet that hasn’t been seen since the ancient Egyptians would have gazed upon it, whizzed right over the Keystone State. Those who had a front row seat will remember that sighting for years to come.
And later this month, a miraculous Christmas star is set to make an appearance above Pennsylvania for the first time in 800 years.
Vidmar Fernandes / 500px Collection via Getty Images The star should appear in the southwest sky just after sunset on the evening of December 21, 2020.
But this week, we have our sights set on witnessing the Northern Lights!
Pete Lomchid / Moment Collection via Getty Images
In fact, due to a last-minute solar storm, much of northern America will have a great opportunity to witness the aurora borealis tonight and tomorrow night (Thursday, December 10 and Friday, December 11, 2020).
US National Weather Service Cleveland OH
Whether your views are faint hues like a rainbow that’s been washed across the night sky, or…
Glenn Marsch / Flickr
The aurora borealis (a.k.a. Northern Lights) has a fascinating glow worthy of awe, you’re sure to remember seeing the lights above the Keystone State.
Noppawat Tom Charoensinphon / Moment Collection via Getty Images
For the best chance of viewing the lights, you’ll simply want to find a very dark viewing spot that’s free of as much light pollution as possible. And then simply turn toward the north and set your gaze upon the horizon.
Tara Sweeney / 500px Collection via Getty Images
Have you been fortunate enough to see the Northern Lights over Pennsylvania before? We’d love to hear from you and see your photos. Post in the comments and then go share your photos from this week’s show in our Pennsylvania Nature Lovers Group on Facebook!
Joel Tonyan / Flickr
One of them, a comet that hasn’t been seen since the ancient Egyptians would have gazed upon it, whizzed right over the Keystone State. Those who had a front row seat will remember that sighting for years to come.
Vidmar Fernandes / 500px Collection via Getty Images
The star should appear in the southwest sky just after sunset on the evening of December 21, 2020.
Pete Lomchid / Moment Collection via Getty Images
US National Weather Service Cleveland OH
Glenn Marsch / Flickr
Noppawat Tom Charoensinphon / Moment Collection via Getty Images
Tara Sweeney / 500px Collection via Getty Images
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