You Won’t Want to Miss These Natural Phenomena in the US
The world is full of incredible sights that you might get to see in your lifetime if you’re lucky enough. The US has plenty of natural phenomena that you won’t want to miss if you enjoy getting to see some unusual and unforgettable things. You might need to time your trip perfectly if you want to get it right, but it’s worth it if you want to see something that could be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Some natural events only happen at certain times of the year, and some can even be predicted so that you know when they’re going to happen. If you want to see some amazing natural phenomena in the US, try these upcoming and annual events.
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) – Every Winter
The Northern Lights are at the top of many people’s bucket lists. Iceland is currently a popular location to see them, particularly for people in Europe, but there are plenty of other places that are ideal for catching a glimpse too. In the US, Alaska is the best place to go, being further north than any other state. However, it’s not the only place you can try, as Idaho, Maine, Minnesota and even Michigan are also good places to try to see the lights. Winter is the best time to try to see them, preferably during a clear night when clouds won’t obscure your view.
Psychedelic Swamp, Florida – February-March
In Florida, you will find a swamp that turns all the colors of the rainbow every year. Each year, leaves from the trees in the swamp start to decompose and they release tannic acid. This is what causes a rainbow effect when the light hits the water just right. A photo of this effect went viral in 2016 when it was posted in the Facebook group Florida Landscapes, of a swamp that can be found near Tallahassee. However, the same effect can be observed in other swamps too. You’re most likely to see it during the winter as it moves into spring, when plants are starting to break down. This particular Florida swamp shows its colors in February and March.
Red Tide, La Jolla, California – Most Common in February, March, August, September
A red tide isn’t necessarily red – and nor it is it technically a tide. This interesting natural phenomenon occurs due to tiny creatures called dinoflagellates in the water. When the water is right for them, usually when it’s warm, lots of them begin to gather, and they create a colorful effect in the water. The color they turn the water depends on the species, and it can sometimes be red. These creatures also change color when they move, turning an electric blue. So when a wave crashes in, they create a flash of blue light. This phenomenon can be seen along the California coast, with La Jolla near San Diego being a particularly popular place to see it.
Solar Eclipse – Next Visible in the US April 8, 2024
The solar eclipse in August 2017 was a major event across the US, and everyone made an effort to try and catch sight of it. Some people were lucky to see a 100% eclipse, while others got close. In Western North California, 99% of the eclipse was visible, and a number of events were put on to celebrate. You can read more about all the fun that everyone has in the region on the Beverly-Hanks site. But don’t worry if you missed it last time, because there will be another chance in a few years. The next solar eclipse that will be visible from the US will occur in 2024, which gives you plenty of time to prepare.
Total Lunar Eclipse – Next Visible January 21, 2019
Lunar eclipses don’t always get people as excited as a solar eclipse does, partly because they’re more common. A total lunar eclipse can occur as many as three times in one year, although sometimes there are none at all. There next one that will be visible from the Americas will occur in January 2019, followed by one in May 2021. Lunar eclipses occur during a full moon, when the moon passes through the Earth’s shadow. It can make the moon turn red, orange or dark brown. Partial eclipses are possible too, as well as “penumbral” eclipses, which are difficult to see.
Sailing Stones, Death Valley, California
In a remote location in California’s Death Valley National Park, it’s possible to see where stones and rocks have moved across Racetrack Playa, which is a dried out lake bed. They leave a trail behind them, showing that they have shifted, but no one had seen them move. Theories for why the rocks move ranged from strong winds to aliens. However, through a combination of capturing the stones moving on film and conducting experiments, the most likely explanation has been discovered. Water, ice and wind are likely to be the combined factors that get the stones to move. With the right build-up of water and ice, the stones can be floated just enough to be blown across the lake bed. It’s not easy to see the stones moving, but you can see the rocks themselves a bit more easily.
Horsetail Fall Firefall, Yosemite, California – February
If the weather conditions are perfect during February, you might be able to catch sight of the firefall phenomenon in California’s Yosemite National Park. Horsetail Fall only flows during the winter and early spring, so you need to turn up at the right time of year to see it at all. But on some days, you’ll also be able to enjoy the spectacle that’s created when the sun hits the fall just right. It makes it look like the waterfall is one fire, making it look like red and orange lava is falling, and not just water. The firefall name comes from an event that used to be performed by the Glacier Point Hotel in the park, who would pour burning embers from the top of Glacier Point.
You need to plan carefully to see some of these natural phenomena, but it’s worth it if you manage to see them. However, you can’t always guarantee a sighting, so it’s always best to make other plans too, and enjoy the journey.