Overview
- NOAA forecasts Kp near 5 on Jan. 17–18, indicating minor geomagnetic storming with brief G2 spikes possible.
- The view line favors Alaska, much of Canada, and U.S. states including Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Maine, with stronger bursts potentially reaching Iowa or northern Illinois.
- Best viewing typically occurs between about 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., and the new moon on Sunday offers darker skies for faint displays.
- Actual visibility hinges on arrival timing, cloud cover and light pollution; forecasters recommend NOAA’s 30‑minute aurora outlook and live solar‑wind apps such as SpaceWeatherLive, Aurora Now, My Aurora Forecast or Glendale.
- Many shows may appear subtle to the eye but pop in photos; use a wide lens, 5–30 second exposures, higher ISO and a tripod, or smartphone night/pro modes for steadier long exposures.