Heliophysics and the Solar Polar Flip: What Solar Maximum Means for NYC Skywatchers
As the sun moves through its solar maximum, we’re entering an exciting—and at times turbulent—phase in our solar system’s 11-year cycle of magnetic activity. The solar polar flip, where the sun’s magnetic poles reverse, signals the height of this cycle, which brings with it intensified solar activity, stunning displays of the Aurora Borealis, and the potential for significant geomagnetic storms. For New Yorkers looking to catch a glimpse of these celestial events, The Roof at Park South offers a unique spot to experience the sky like never before.
What is Solar Maximum?
The sun undergoes an 11-year cycle of magnetic activity, oscillating between quiet periods (solar minimum) and more stormy, active phases (solar maximum). Right now, we’ve entered the most intense part of this cycle, where the sun’s activity surges, leading up to a dramatic polar flip of its magnetic fields.
During solar maximum, the sun’s surface is speckled with sunspots, regions where magnetic fields are especially strong. These sunspots act as hotbeds for solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are massive bursts of charged particles launched from the sun’s atmosphere into space. These CMEs can have wide-reaching effects, from creating beautiful auroras to disrupting satellites and power grids on Earth.
This solar cycle has already been remarkably active, and scientists predict that it will continue to deliver heightened solar phenomena over the next few years. In fact, the solar maximum phase is expected to last through 2025, with potential peaks even into 2026, giving us an extended period to witness the sun’s full power.
Solar Maximum and the Northern Lights: NYC’s Rare Opportunity
The most thrilling aspect of solar maximum for many skywatchers is the increased likelihood of seeing the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. Typically, these beautiful displays of dancing lights are visible only at very high latitudes—think northern Scandinavia or Alaska. However, during periods of intense solar activity, the auroras can extend much farther south. This year, thanks to multiple CMEs, the Northern Lights have already been seen as far south as North Carolina.
As solar maximum continues, there’s a chance that New Yorkers could witness the auroras lighting up the sky right here in the city—an incredibly rare occurrence. These glowing lights are created when charged particles from CMEs collide with Earth's atmosphere, causing gases like oxygen and nitrogen to emit vibrant colors ranging from green and purple to red and yellow.
With The Roof at Park South offering an open-air vantage point in the heart of Manhattan, it’s the perfect place to gather with friends for a cocktail while keeping an eye on the sky. The rooftop’s elevated setting gives you an unobstructed view of the horizon, so you can catch the glow of any geomagnetic activity that might push the auroras into our region.
Catch the Next CME from The Roof
A coronal mass ejection (CME) occurs when the sun ejects a massive cloud of charged particles into space. When these particles reach Earth, they interact with our planet’s magnetic field, creating geomagnetic storms that can light up the night sky with auroras.
New Yorkers should keep their eyes on space weather forecasts, as strong CMEs during this solar maximum may once again bring the Northern Lights down to the lower latitudes. Since the peak of solar activity could stretch well into 2025, there will be plenty of opportunities to catch these rare sky shows, even from the city. Imagine enjoying a crisp fall evening on The Roof, cocktail in hand, as the Aurora Borealis flickers over Manhattan—a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Power and Beauty of Solar Maximum
While the solar maximum promises breathtaking displays of space weather, it also comes with potential risks. The increased frequency of CMEs and solar flares can interfere with satellites, GPS systems, and power grids, creating both awe-inspiring beauty and real-world challenges. In fact, scientists warn that this solar cycle could even rival the famous Carrington Event of 1859, a massive geomagnetic storm that caused telegraph systems to fail and resulted in the Northern Lights being visible as far south as the Caribbean.
While the effects of such storms can be disruptive, they also give us an unprecedented opportunity to witness the full power of our star. For those in New York, there’s no better place to keep an eye on the sky than from The Roof, where you can enjoy the perfect mix of city skyline views and celestial wonders.
Plan Your Rooftop Skywatching at The Roof
With the solar maximum in full swing and the possibility of more CMEs on the horizon, now is the time to plan your rooftop skywatching experience. Drop by The Roof at Park South to enjoy a seasonal cocktail, relax by the fire pit, and keep your eyes peeled for any sign of the Aurora Borealis or space weather activity lighting up the night sky.
Not only will you get to enjoy the best of fall from one of NYC’s favorite rooftop bars, but you might also catch a rare glimpse of a celestial event that will be talked about for years to come. The sun’s activity may be at its peak, but the magic of witnessing a solar event from the heart of New York City is truly once-in-a-lifetime.
