Get prepared, aurora chasers: The northern lights could placed on a very good present throughout components of the U.S. tonight as a high-speed photo voltaic wind stream is forecast to slam into Earth’s magnetic subject.
Forecasters at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) predict potential minor (G1) geomagnetic storm circumstances for Oct. 28 and Oct. 29 (beginning within the early hours of Oct. 28), with an opportunity of stronger average (G2) storming if circumstances intensify. The U.K. Met Office echoes this forecast, predicting that auroras may dip into latitudes round Scotland or the northern U.S., relying on the timing and power of the incoming photo voltaic wind.
A mix of quick photo voltaic wind from a big Earth-facing coronal gap and potential affect from a weak coronal mass ejection (CME) that left the solar on Oct. 23 may trigger solar wind speeds to climb significantly from Oct. 28 through Oct. 29 — great news for aurora chasers.
Where and when can you see the northern lights tonight?
According to NOAA’s Kp index forecast, geomagnetic storming is predicted to happen intermittently between 11 p.m. EDT tonight (0300 GMT on Oct. 28) and 5 p.m. EDT Oct. 29 (2100 EDT). This makes the following couple of nights the best time to observe for dazzling aurora shows.
Based on the latest NOAA aurora forecast map, the next 14 U.S. States seem totally or partially above the aurora view line:
- Alaska
- Montana
- North Dakota
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Washington
- Idaho
- South Dakota
- Michigan
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Wyoming
- Iowa
- New York
However, auroras are extremely unpredictable. Even in case you’re inside the view line, you will nonetheless want cloud-free skies, minimal gentle air pollution, a transparent view northward and a little bit little bit of luck to catch the present.
Northern Hemisphere aurora forecast courtesy of the Met Office
How to see the northern lights where you live
If you’re in one of the 14 U.S. states listed above, here are some tips for catching a glimpse of the display.
- Head to a dark location far from city lights.
- Find a north-facing view with a clear horizon.
- Look up around midnight to 2 a.m. local time, but keep watch as soon as skies darken.
- Be patient. Auroras often come in waves and can appear faint at first.
We recommend downloading a space weather app that provides aurora forecasts based on your location. One option I use is “My Aurora Forecast & Alerts,” available for both iOS and Android. However, any comparable app ought to work properly. I additionally use the “Space Weather Live” app, which is obtainable on iOS and Android, to get a deeper understanding of whether or not the present area climate circumstances are favorable for aurora sightings.