Northern Lights May Be Seen in Massachusetts This Weekend

Normally you would have to travel a couple hours north by plane to see the Northern Lights but Massachusetts may experience them this weekend.

The Northern Lights are a pretty amazing phenomenon for which many have taken a trip to Iceland or even further north to get a glimpse. Well, according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, Massachusetts is within the view line of possibly getting a glimpse this weekend.

First, what are the Northern lights? In simple terms, they are a blast of light energy, or plasm being shot at us from the sun. It's what they call a geomagnetic storm that's been going on for awhile now. It's a pretty powerful amount of energy from the sun and one of the cool side effects of this energy is what we call Northern lights.

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For those of us that want to save some money and stay in our own backyards to possibly catch a glimpse of these, here is what you need to know.

First, you have to be in an extremely dark and rural area. Then making sure you are facing the northern horizon. Yes, a compass may be needed for this, or your iPhone has an app for that.

What time can we possibly get a glimpse? There is no exact time, however the NOAA website, provides updates forecast maps of the Aurora, or Northern Lights, in half hour increments. I think it's safe to assume that they will best be viewed well after the sun has set.

Friday night will have a stronger possibility but Saturday is also in the cards.

It's a strong maybe on getting a glimpse but if you do consider yourself very lucky and while I always say, live in the moment, try and catch a picture if you can.