TJ Madsen is among the founding members of the New Herald Tribune and chairs the editorial board. He worked for national syndicated newspapers in Newark, Philadelphia, and Baltimore before moving to the midwest.
May 10 , 2024
ALBANY, NY - In a move to bring the natural wonder of the Northern Lights to more New Yorkers after the workday is done, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new pilot program to study ways to enhance the visibility of the aurora borealis in the state during evening hours. The $10 million initiative will fund research into artificial methods of expanding the reach of the colorful light displays typically only seen in northern latitudes, with the artificial lights only being turned on after 7pm to avoid congestion pricing fees."The Northern Lights are one of nature's most breathtaking phenomena, but for many New Yorkers, they are too far away to experience firsthand," Governor Hochul said in a press conference. "By harnessing the power of science and technology, we hope to find innovative ways to bring the aurora borealis closer to home and provide more residents with the opportunity to witness this awe-inspiring natural light show in the evening hours after work."The pilot program will be overseen by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and will solicit proposals from universities, research institutions, and private companies. Areas of focus will include:
Researchers will explore the feasibility of creating artificial auroras using high-energy particle beams or powerful lasers to excite gases in the upper atmosphere, mimicking the natural process that generates the Northern Lights, but only activating the system after 7pm each evening to avoid congestion pricing fees.
The program will also investigate advanced projection and lighting technologies that could be used to display images of the aurora borealis on large screens or project the lights onto the night sky, making them visible to a wider audience in the evening hours after work.
Scientists will study the potential of modifying the Earth's upper atmosphere to enhance the visibility of the Northern Lights, such as by releasing chemicals or particles that interact with solar radiation to produce brighter, more extensive auroras, but only during the evening hours.The pilot program is part of Governor Hochul's broader initiative to make New York a leader in renewable energy and sustainable technology. By investing in research to bring the Northern Lights to more New Yorkers in the evening, the state hopes to inspire greater appreciation for the natural world and the importance of protecting the environment."The Northern Lights are not only a stunning natural wonder but also a symbol of the beauty and fragility of our planet," said Hochul. "By making them more accessible in the evening hours, we hope to foster a deeper connection between New Yorkers and the natural world, and to inspire action to preserve and protect our environment for generations to come."The pilot program is expected to run for three years, with the first round of research grants to be awarded by the end of 2024. If successful, the state may consider expanding the program to make the Northern Lights a permanent evening fixture in the New York skyline after work hours.
Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved.