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last mo.

Northern Lights Reach Fewer States as Geomagnetic Activity Eases

NOAA’s revision to a Kp index of 4 means auroras will be confined to higher latitudes, signaling the need to monitor forecast updates.

These Space Weather Prediction Center maps show the potential viewlines for the northern lights on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
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Overview

  • NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center forecast a geomagnetic Kp index of 4 for Wednesday night, down from earlier warnings of minor to moderate storms.
  • The revised outlook confines auroral visibility to about ten northern U.S. states, with Alaska and parts of northern New England most likely to see displays.
  • Late Tuesday’s potential G2 storm reached a K-index of 6 before easing faster than expected, reducing the aurora’s southern reach.
  • A high-speed solar wind stream from a negatively polarized coronal hole remains the primary driver of this week’s geomagnetic disturbances.
  • Observers should seek unobstructed, north-facing dark skies between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time and follow NOAA’s forecast updates for any changes.