The Northern Lights—also known as the aurora borealis—may become visible in the early hours of Wednesday in northern U.S. states as the after-effects of a “halo CME” arrive at Earth.

The fabulous natural phenomenon results from the solar wind, charged particles from the sun accelerating down the magnetic field lines at the north and south poles into Earth’s atmosphere.

‘Halo CME’

Experts modeling the solar wind sounded the alarm Monday after multiple separate coronal mass ejections left the sun on July 21, all aimed toward Earth, creating a rare “halo CME.” A CME is a cloud of magnetic fields and charged particles from the sun that stream into space at up to 1,900 miles (3,000 kilometers) per second. They can take a few days to reach Earth (if they’re Earth-directed).

Exact Timings

According to an alert issued on Monday, July 22, by the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, displays of Northern Lights could be seen over some northern and upper Midwest U.S. states from New York to Idaho between 06:00-09:00 Universal Time on July 24—that’s 01:00-04:00 EDT.

The “halo CME” is expected to trigger a G2-class geomagnetic storm at that time. This refers to the severity of the storm, which also affects how far south it can be seen.

Generally speaking, G2 storms can be seen as far south as New York and Idaho; for G3, it’s Illinois and Oregon; and for G4, it’s Alabama and northern California.

Wednesday’s display is therefore not expected to be as strong—or reach as far south as—May 10’s extreme G5 geomagnetic storm, which caused displays of aurora across the world. Expect “photographic aurora,” which only a smartphone or manual camera can capture to show significant color.

Thirty Minute Forecast

U.S. states that may get a glimpse of aurora may include Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, Montana, Minnesota, the northernmost part of New York and Maine.

It’s wise to have a Dark Sky Place or somewhere away from light pollution in mind, but since forecasts can change quickly, check the latest advice from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center for exact timings—particularly its 30-minute forecast page. Frequent checking of apps like My Aurora Forecast & Alerts, AuroraWatchUK or the online Aurora – 30 Minute Forecast – Space Weather Prediction Center is also recommended.

Before you head out, check the weather forecast because clear skies are required to have any chance of seeing aurora.

ForbesNorthern Lights Alert: Beware ‘Head-On’ Aurora Displays, Scientists SayBy Jamie Carter

Predicting Aurora

Last week, researchers at Aberystwyth University presented new research suggesting that it’s now possible to predict the precise speed at which a CME travels and, therefore, accurately predict when a geomagnetic storm will begin.

That’s important because very strong geomagnetic storms can mean strong currents that can potentially damage power transmission lines, oil and gas pipelines, railways and submarine cables.

Pick up my books Stargazing in 2024, A Stargazing Program For Beginners, and When Is The Next Eclipse?

Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.

KENDRICK – Crews continue to battle the Texas Fire, located east of Kendrick on the Latah/Nez Perce County line.

According to a Sunday evening update from officials, the fire’s total footprint was estimated at 1,575 acres.  The blaze is now considered 60% contained.  The fire area grew by only 32 acres between Thursday and Saturday.  No growth was reported between Saturday morning and Monday morning.

On Saturday morning, all evacuation orders were lifted and all roads were reopened in the region.

The last update from the Idaho Department of Lands regarding damage to structures said that the number of buildings lost to the fire included 4 primary residences and 6 outbuildings.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced last week the authorization of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Texas Fire.

The state of Idaho’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Tuesday night. “He determined that the Texas Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster,” says a FEMA press release. This is the first grant approved in 2024 to help fight Idaho wildfires.

At the time of the state’s request, officials said the wildfire threatened homes in and around Kendrick. The fire was also threatening several cell towers, radio towers, private transmission lines, and agricultural assets in the area.

Idaho Department of Lands firefighters began an aggressive attack of the wildfire on Monday in the Potlatch River Canyon near the junction of Texas Ridge Road and Cedar Ridge Road. Texas Ridge and East Road were closed to the public on Monday evening.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

By Rachel Bowman For Dailymail.Com

Published: 06:19 BST, 22 July 2024 | Updated: 06:19 BST, 22 July 2024

Shocking video captured the moment a Porsche crashed and flipped multiple times at a ‘no speed limit’ event in Idaho.

Two men were injured while the car was racing down a 3.2-mile stretch of Idaho Highway 75 for the Sun Valley Tour de Force on Saturday, reported Idaho Mountain Express.

Video shows the black Porsche soaring down the road lined with lush greenery and mountain views when it burst into smoke at the racing event.

The car was near the finish line of the track when the crash occurred and flipped several times.

‘There was an incident at Sun Valley Tour de Force this morning. Two people were injured,’ the organization said.

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A Porsche crashed and flipped several times while racing down a 3.2-mile stretch of Idaho Highway 75 for the Sun Valley Tour de Force

The black Porsche soared down the road lined with lush greenery and mountain views when it burst into smoke

‘Out of respect to all, in response to this morning’s incident all remaining Sun Valley Tour de Force activities are cancelled.’ 

Witnesses on social media claimed the vehicle was going between 190 to 200 miles per hour. 

Photos of the wreckage show the destroyed car without its doors, smashed exterior and the engine blown out. 

The Blaine County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Highway 75 was closed at milepost 140 north of Ketchum and deputies were assisting with the crash.

Sun Valley Tour de Force is an annual ‘no speed limit’ event where police shutdown 3.2 miles of state highway at Phantom Hill in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area to race.

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The car was near the finish line of the track when the crash occurred and flipped several times

Two men were injured and the destroyed car lost its doors, smashed exterior and the engine blown out

Participants pay nearly $3,500 to drive their vehicles and raise money for charities including The Hunger Coalition, reported the Idaho Statesman. 

The fastest speed on record at the event is a Bugatti Chiron achieving 253.01 mph. 

‘Yesterday was a difficult day for all involved in Sun Valley Tour de Force. We could like to thank everyone who has been so helpful and considerate during the past 27 hours,’ Sun Valley Tour de Force said.

‘Your outpouring of support to the family injured, the offers of donations, and so much more, is a testament to the strength and resilience of our Sun Valley Tour de Force family.’