Rare Chance to See the Magical Northern Lights in New England

What a moment to behold, and take advantage of it if you can!  The Northern Lights may be quite visible in New England and other northern states in the country because of a strong geomagnetic storm, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

We know it as the scientifically phenomenon called the aurora borealis, which is much more common to see up at the North Pole, Alaska, and Canada. But, it looks like this rare treat is a definite possibility that's worth going outside to see, because if it happens, it could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most of us New Englanders.

According to NOAA, this storm could push the aurora lights farther south Thursday and Friday, where they may light up our skies in the northern portions of the United States.

Now I could get into the logistics of coronal holes and plasma to explain this storm including G5 measurements and CMEs, but even after reading it all, I'm confused. I frankly just want to enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty and let the magic of it all be front and center, but click here if you want to understand the physics behind it all.

Meanwhile, here's how you can view them on the nights of Thursday and Friday, August 18-19.

• Pick a dark spot where there is very little light.
• Get to a higher elevation if possible.
• Check the weather because too much cloud cover could affect your viewing.
• Scan the skies because while northern is in the name, they can appear from all directions.