The top line
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an impending geomagnetic storm will likely bring the northern lights to more North American states this weekend, with the chance to see the phenomenon on Thursday night.
A coronal mass injection earlier this week could draw the northern lights to more North American states, … [+]
Key facts
NOAA Prophecy A Kp index of four on a scale of nine for Thursday night, which means auroral activity will increase and be “quite pleasant to watch” for those in the right areas.
The effects of a coronal mass ejection — a bubble of plasma that erupts from the sun’s surface — is expected to produce a moderate or severe geomagnetic storm on Earth starting Wednesday, increasing the chances of seeing the aurora borealis in more states. , According to Up to NOAA’s three-day forecast.
A Kp index of five is forecast for Friday and Saturday, which draws a wave line — as far north as Nebraska — indicating a minimal chance of seeing the northern lights.
Electrons from coronal mass ejections The conversation With nitrogen and oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere, the atoms and molecules of these gases become “excited” before relaxing and releasing photons, creating the colorful displays of the aurora borealis.
Get Forbes Breaking News text alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text or sign up for “Alerts” at (201) 335-0739. Here.
Where will the Northern Lights be visible tonight and tomorrow?
Northern Canada and much of Alaska are most likely to see auroral activity, while the wave line moves below the Canadian border and just over Iowa for Thursday (see map below). Parts of northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, northern Montana, North Dakota, northern Wisconsin, and upper Michigan are less likely to see this trend, while northern South Dakota, Wisconsin, and northern Maine are even less likely. On Friday, more states will have a chance, including northern Iowa, New York, New Hampshire and Vermont.
Thursday Night Wave Line.
What is the best way to see the Northern Lights?
According to NOAA, the best time to view auroral activity is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time while at an elevated location away from light pollution. If conditions are good, the display can be seen from 620 miles away.
What is the best way to photograph the Northern Lights?
NASA says that smartphone cameras are more sensitive to the colors of the northern lights and can capture auroral activity if night mode is enabled, even if the event is not visible to the naked eye. If using a regular camera, a wide-angle lens, high ISO value and focus set to the farthest setting possible are recommended.
Key background
The swirling, colorful displays of the Northern Lights are caused by increased activity on the Sun’s surface. NASA said in October that the Sun’s 11-year cycle has reached a “solar maximum,” indicating an increased rate of space weather events such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Activity on the Sun’s surface is measured over an 11-year period and gradually waxes and wanes during this period, which also achieves the “solar minimum”. The most powerful geologic storm in two decades hit Earth in May, NASA said, possibly marking the strongest northern lights “in the last 500 years” according to the agency, while the trend continued south. It has been carried to Texas and northern Florida. According to NASA, this peak in activity will likely last until 2026 before tapering off by 2030.
Further reading
