Limited Northern Lights Visibility Expected in Upstate NY and Washington, D.C. This Week

The Northern Lights are unlikely to be visible in Upstate New York this week, contrary to earlier reports. NASA and meteorologists state that the chances of seeing the lights as far south as Maryland are slim. Cloud cover and a poor track record of Northern Lights forecasts further diminish the likelihood. The latest forecast from the Space Weather Prediction Center indicates that the primary ejecta will miss Earth. Even if it reaches Earth, it would create only a faint glow visible no farther south than the Hudson Bay. However, there is hope for the future as an 11-year solar cycle expected to peak in 2024 may make the lights visible in more southern locations.