RICE LAKE, Wis. (WJMC) — Splashes of green and red appeared over the night sky, late Tuesday, as the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, were visible to many.
Some reported seeing them as far south as Florida. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center expected solar activity to continue through today, with forecasts showing tonight’s viewing potential great for most of the state.
According to NASA, solar winds from the sun create red colors when they hit oxygen atoms in the upper atmosphere, above 120 miles. Between 60 and 120 miles, winds hitting oxygen and nitrogen atoms create green and blue colors, respectively.
Below 60 miles, nitrogen atoms hit by the solar winds glow pink. The solar activity can cause disruptions to radio communications, GPS signals and power grids.
Regional weather forecasts predict few clouds tonight, making for favorable viewing conditions.