Predicted auroras set to be observed in 15 states this coming Saturday
Northern Lights to Light Up Northern U.S. This Weekend
Get ready for a spectacular celestial show this weekend! According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the northern lights, or aurora borealis, may be visible in some northern and upper Midwest states this Saturday night.
The best time to catch a glimpse of these colourful lights is close to midnight. NOAA has a detailed graphics dashboard on its website that can help pinpoint where and when the northern lights can be seen.
Based on the most recent NOAA forecast and related reports, the northern lights are predicted to be visible in 18 U.S. states where geomagnetic activity (Kp index) is expected to reach up to Kp6, a moderate geomagnetic storm level. While an exact list for this coming Saturday was not directly stated, the closest detailed forecast from August 8-9 indicated northern lights visibility in these states: Alaska, northern parts of Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Alaska has the highest likelihood, followed by northern states in the contiguous U.S. The Space Weather Prediction Center also publishes up-to-date 3-day forecasts that outline geomagnetic activity levels expected, which can predict when viewing conditions for the auroras improve.
It's important to note that aurora visibility depends heavily on geomagnetic activity peaking, dark skies, and minimal light pollution. Checking NOAA's latest space weather forecast nearer to Saturday is critical to ensure the best viewing conditions.
If the colourful lights aren't apparent to the naked eye, sensors in cameras and phone cameras can pick them up. For the best experience of viewing the northern lights, it's recommended to find a dark location away from city lights.
So, wrap up warm, find a dark spot, and keep an eye on NOAA's forecasts. This weekend could be the perfect opportunity to witness the magical northern lights!
- The unusually high geomagnetic activity could potentially lead to the phenomena of space-and-astronomy, the aurora borealis, being visible not only in Alaska but also in other states, such as those within the domain of science, like Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
- During this Saturday's weather, if the conditions align, one may observe the dance of the northern lights, a stunning display of space-and-astronomy, in the sky above the United States, particularly over the 18 states where geomagnetic activity is predicted to reach moderate levels.
