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3mo ago

Solar Storm to Illuminate Northern Lights Across Northern U.S. States This Weekend

Geomagnetic activity from a coronal mass ejection is expected to make auroras visible farther south than usual.

The Northern Lights are pictured near Cashion, Okla., Friday, May 10, 2024.
northern lights over Anchorage Alaska
Image

Overview

  • The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a Kp index of 5, indicating moderate geomagnetic storm activity that could make auroras visible in over a dozen northern U.S. states.
  • States with the best viewing opportunities include Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota, with possible visibility extending to parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Maine.
  • The northern lights are expected to be most visible between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time in areas free from light pollution, with activity likely peaking early Saturday morning.
  • The auroras result from charged particles from a solar storm colliding with Earth's atmosphere, exciting gases like oxygen and nitrogen to produce colorful light displays.
  • Increased auroral activity is attributed to the solar maximum phase of the sun's 11-year cycle, which is expected to continue through 2025, offering more frequent northern lights events.