Scientists have revealed that a surge in sunspots during July 2024 has raised the likelihood of more frequent displays of the Northern Lights in the coming weeks and months, including this weekend. Sunspots, which are magnetic disturbances on the surface of the sun, have been observed and tracked since 1611, serving as indicators of the sun's magnetic activity.

According to data from the Royal Observatory of Belgium's Solar Influences Data Analysis Center, the monthly average sunspot number for July 2024 reached an impressive 196.5. This is the highest recorded number of sunspots since December 2001, suggesting a significant increase in solar magnetic activity.

The recent surge in sunspots follows a week of stunning "photographic displays" of the Northern Lights in North America, and scientists believe that similar displays may occur this weekend. Sunspots are often associated with solar flares, which are intense bursts of radiation from the sun. While solar flares can cause radio blackouts, they do not directly lead to the Northern Lights.

However, scientists have found that coronal mass ejections (CMEs) associated with sunspots can cause geomagnetic storms, triggering the phenomenon of the Northern Lights. CMEs involve the expulsion of magnetic fields and charged particles into space at tremendous speeds of up to 1,900 miles per second. If these CMEs are directed towards Earth, they can take a few days to reach our planet, resulting in stunning displays of the Northern Lights.

According to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, an Earth-directed CME resulting from an M8-class solar flare is expected to reach Earth this weekend. This event is likely to trigger a G2-class geomagnetic storm, meaning that the Northern Lights may be visible as far south as New York and Idaho. G3-class storms could reach Illinois and Oregon, while G4-class storms could extend visibility to Alabama and northern California.

The current solar cycle, known as Solar Cycle 2025, began in 2019 and is approaching its peak period of activity, referred to as "solar maximum." This peak activity is determined by the count of sunspots on the sun's surface. While July 2024 witnessed the highest monthly average sunspot number since December 2001, the peak of Solar Cycle 2024 was actually observed in July 2000, with a count of 244.3 sunspots. Scientists however, anticipate that Solar Cycle 2024 may intensify further, with the maximum expected between August 2024 and January 2025.

The mesmerizing phenomenon of the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, is created by collisions between charged particles from the sun and Earth's magnetic field. These collisions generate stunning ovals of green and red light that are typically visible near the Arctic Circle in places such as Alaska, northern Canada, and northern Scandinavia. However, when solar flares and CMEs are particularly intense, the Northern Lights can extend further south, allowing lucky observers in North America to catch a glimpse of the ethereal glow on the northern horizon.

With the anticipated surge in Northern Lights activity in the coming weeks and months, enthusiasts and stargazers await the opportunity to witness this natural wonder in all its glory. For the latest updates on the visibility of the aurora, the Space Weather Prediction Center's "aurora view line" serves as an invaluable resource indicating the southernmost locations from where the Northern Lights may be seen on the horizon.

In the midst of an era of celestial fascination, this surge in solar activity promises to captivate and inspire both novice and experienced stargazers, offering a unique opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Lights.