Overview

• NOAA forecasts a Kp index of 4 for Thursday night that could bring aurora into up to ten U.S. states, including northern Idaho, Minnesota and Maine.
• Central Canadian provinces such as British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are poised for the brightest displays this week.
• A coronal mass ejection expected to hit Earth Saturday is likely to intensify storms and expand aurora visibility beyond the current forecast.
• Optimal viewing runs from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at dark, north-facing locations away from light pollution.
• Photographers can capture the aurora by enabling night mode and stabilizing smartphones on tripods or by using wide-angle lenses and apertures of f/4 or lower on regular cameras.