Northern Lights Alert: Discover Which States Might Witness the Aurora Borealis Tonight Amid Geomagnetic Storms
Forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have announced that the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, may be visible from various states along the U.S.-Canadian border on Sunday night. This phenomenon will be influenced by minor geomagnetic storms and solar winds originating from coronal holes on the Sun.
Northern Lights Visibility and Geomagnetic Storms
On Sunday night, a Kp index of four out of nine is expected, indicating that the aurora may appear “brighter” and more dynamic farther from the poles. The solar winds escaping from cooler regions of the Sun will contribute to this enhanced visibility. These geomagnetic storms, classified as G1 on a scale of one to five, can affect power grids and satellites.
Where to See the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights may be witnessed in several key states:
- Washington
- Idaho
- Montana
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Most of Minnesota
- Northern Wisconsin
- Northern Michigan
- Parts of northern Maine
- Much of Alaska
Many of these regions situated in the upper Midwest are well within the aurora’s visibility on this night.
Best Viewing Practices
To optimize the experience of viewing the Northern Lights, NOAA suggests heading north toward Earth’s magnetic north pole, which is situated in northern Canada. It’s essential to find a location with an unobstructed view to the north, preferably away from urban light pollution. The optimal viewing time is typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., when the aurora is most active.
Photography Tips for Capturing the Aurora
To photograph the Northern Lights effectively, consider the following recommendations:
- Use a camera with a wide-angle or low-light lens (aperture of 4.0 or lower).
- For smartphone users, disable flash and enable night mode.
- Bring a tripod to ensure stability for long-exposure shots.
Taking the right measures will enhance both the experience and the quality of photographs of this stunning natural occurrence.
