New Jersey might get a rare look at the northern lights tonight. A burst of solar energy that left the sun a few days ago reaches Earth today, and it could push the aurora far enough south for parts of the state to catch a faint glow. The chance exists, but it depends on the strength of the storm and whether clouds open at the right time.
The setup began over the weekend when the sun released a strong M8.1 flare along with a full-halo coronal mass ejection. That wave of particles moves through space and reaches Earth this afternoon. NOAA issued a G3 geomagnetic storm watch for Tuesday, Dec. 9, because the incoming burst could raise the Kp index to around 7. When the index climbs that high, the aurora can stretch into states much farther south than usual, including Pennsylvania, New York and occasionally New Jersey. An additional X1.1 flare on Dec. 8 caused radio issues for some high-frequency users and could add to tonight’s activity, though forecasters don’t know yet how much it will contribute.
Monday night didn’t offer much because the earlier impacts arrived before dark. Tonight lines up differently. If the CME peaks after sunset, the odds improve for people in New Jersey who want to try their luck.
Cloud cover remains the biggest barrier. Most of the state holds onto thick clouds through the evening, and any steady overcast will block the view entirely. Some short breaks may pop up between 7 and 9 p.m., with another possible opening closer to midnight. The best time to look will be after sunset, especially around midnight, with another chance before sunrise on Wednesday. Those quick gaps may become the only opportunity to see anything. The aurora doesn’t need a full clear sky, but it does require at least a clean view to the north.
If skies open where you live, head to a darker area. New Jersey has plenty of bright spots, and light from cities like Newark, Jersey City and New York will wipe out any faint coloring. Parks, fields and areas with wide horizons give you a better chance. Most people won’t see bold greens or purples with the naked eye at this latitude, but phone cameras tend to pick up soft color that doesn’t register in real time. Night mode or long-exposure settings help, especially if you steady the phone on a tripod or even a fence.
NOAA’s Aurora Forecast map updates every 30 minutes, and checking it alongside cloud forecasts gives you the best real-time picture. Other tools include NorthernLightsMap.com and SeeTheAurora.com, which offer live webcams.
New Jersey doesn’t land in the aurora zone often, and most chances fade because of timing or clouds. Tonight stands out because the storm arrives at the right point in the evening and holds enough strength to reach mid-latitude states. If the clouds break for even a moment, residents may catch a short glimpse of a phenomenon that rarely reaches this far. Look north after sunset, check again around midnight and keep an eye on the forecast. One clear opening might be enough.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.