Overview
- NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center expects a minor G1 geomagnetic storm late Friday into early Saturday, with peak activity most likely before sunrise.
- The forecast view line covers parts of Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, and much of Canada including southern Ontario.
- Forecasters note a chance of brief G2 conditions if faster solar wind arrives and aligns favorably, with the Kp index near 5 enhancing visibility potential.
- The disturbance follows an M1.6 solar flare and coronal mass ejection observed Jan. 14, with additional influence expected from a coronal hole’s fast solar‑wind stream.
- A waning crescent moon provides dark skies; observers should seek north‑facing, low‑light locations and monitor NOAA’s 30‑minute aurora map or live‑data apps for short‑notice updates.