The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center had forecast that quite a few parts of the northeastern United States would have a potential view of the Aurora Borealis on July 13, but only a slight chance of seeing them in New Jersey. NOAA suggested that, if they could be seen at all, the best time to view it on that day would be between 10pm and 2am.
Space.com explains that the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern lights, is caused by the solar wind (a stream of charged particles emanating from the sun) and the earth’s magnetic field, and it notes that they are elusive. “The first thing to appreciate is the glowing ribbons of light in the sky can be spectacular — or they can be a fleeting event.”
Hopewell Township resident Kim Robinson took this photo from Burd Road in Hopewell Township at around 9:45pm. Was it the Northern Lights or just a stray bolt of lightning?
Any astronomers want to opine?
