Potential Aurora Borealis sightings in these 10 American states tonight: [List of the 10 states]
Tonight (June 26-27), the U.S. could witness some breathtaking northern lights thanks to a big solar event. A colossal coronal hole on the sun is set to face Earth, sending high-speed solar winds our way. When these winds collide with our planet's magnetic field, they stir up geomagnetic activity, leading to potential storms and vibrant auroras[1][3].
States like Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Wisconsin, Maine, Idaho, and Washington could be in for a show. This is because these states lie within the auroral oval or at northern latitudes where such activities are expected[1][3]. However, these lights can be elusive, so their exact appearance will depend on local weather conditions and darkness.
The U.K. Met Office and NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center foresee minor (G1) geomagnetic storms tonight, creating a perfect chance for aurora spotting[1][3]. So, if you're in one of the listed states, head to a secluded, north-facing spot away from city lights[1]. The best time to observe the auroras will be around 1 a.m. local time, when daylight lingers less[1].
Don't have the eyes for it? Use your smartphone camera to scan the sky. It often detects auroras that your eyes might miss[1]. If your camera picks up a hint of green or purple, zoom in and focus on that spot. Remember, auroras can pop up unexpectedly, so keep a 360-degree vigil[1].
Stay updated with our aurora forecast live blog for the latest developments[1]. For those living in the listed states, download a weather app like "My Aurora Forecast & Alerts" to stay on top of geomagnetic storm warnings[1]. For a deeper understanding of the current conditions, check out "Space Weather Live" app.
[1] https://www.spaceweather.gov/[3] https://metoffice.gov.uk/weather/Met Office Aurora forecast[Not included in the original article]
- In these stargazing events, auroras can dance across the sky, appearing far south of where they were predicted in some cases, while they fail to show up in others due to numerous factors impacting their visibility[2].
- The "My Aurora Forecast & Alerts" app not only provides forecasts but also sends alerts when conditions are ripe for aurora sightings[2]. The app is available for both iOS and Android[2].
- "Space Weather Live" app offers a comprehensive understanding of the current conditions and whether they're favorable for aurora hunters[2]. The app is available on both iOS and Android[2].
Gear up for a celestial spectacle tonight!
- Keep an eye on the news for updates on the solar activity's impact on the weather and environmental-science, as weather may influence the visibility of the expected northern lights.
- With the possibility of minor geomagnetic storms, space-and-astronomy enthusiasts in the listed states should prepare for an exciting opportunity to observe the weather through their cameras, potentially capturing signs of green or purple auroras.
- To reinforce your stargazing journey, consider downloading apps like "My Aurora Forecast & Alerts" or "Space Weather Live" to stay alert for ideal aurora viewing conditions and gain a deeper understanding of the celestial events unfolding.
