Northern lights aurora in Missouri
Because of a massive solar storm recently, folks in the Ozarks were able to experience the Northern Lights.
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are typically visible in regions closer to the Arctic, such as Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia. It's quite rare for them to be seen as far south as Missouri. However, during a recent strong solar storm the aurora was visible by from locations much further south than usual - like here in the Ozarks!
Predicting Northern Lights in Missouri
These events are unpredictable, but when they occur, they tend to be during periods of high solar activity, which follows an approximately 11-year cycle. The current solar cycle, Cycle 25, is expected to peak around 2025, which could increase the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Missouri around that time.
About the Author
Meet Richard Harris, a passionate and dedicated astronomer who embarked on a cosmic journey at the age of 11 and has been reaching for the stars ever since. Born with an innate curiosity for the universe. Richard's fascination with astronomy ignited when he first gazed up at the night sky and felt an indescribable connection to the cosmos and creation. As a younger lad, Richard spent countless hours poring over astronomy books, studying constellations, and learning about the celestial wonders that grace our skies. In 2001, Richard invented the HyperTune telescope process, which has grown into the standard for German equatorial telescope mount tuning across the globe. He is also the founder of ScopeTrader, a global resource helping to grow the hobby of astronomy which started in 2002, and the CEO of Moonbeam software company, started in 2008. When he's not taking photos of our universe, you can find him with family, playing guitar, or traveling.
