Some states may catch a glimpse of the northern lights on Tuesday, thanks to recent geomagnetic storms triggered by a solar flare, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The vibrant display is expected to be visible farther from the poles than usual.
A rare spectacle might grace the night skies of several U.S. states this Tuesday, thanks to geomagnetic activity triggered by a recent solar flare. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that the aurora borealis, or northern lights, could become visible in areas well beyond their usual polar boundaries, offering more people a chance to witness this mesmerizing celestial event.
Key Facts
NOAA has projected auroral activity with a Kp index of 3 out of 9 for Monday night. This suggests a mild level of geomagnetic disturbance, potentially making the northern lights visible farther from the Arctic regions than usual.
According to NOAA’s three-day space weather outlook, Wednesday night is expected to bring an increase in auroral activity due to “minor” geomagnetic storms. These disturbances originate from a cooler, low-density region on the sun’s surface and could push the Kp index up to 5, heightening the chances of seeing the auroras.
Although Tuesday night’s forecast for the northern lights appears weaker compared to earlier predictions, NOAA had initially anticipated a “strong” geomagnetic storm Monday night. That forecast suggested auroral displays might be visible across 21 states, particularly those bordering Canada.
Monday’s heightened aurora expectations were linked to a significant solar flare that erupted from the sun last Friday, triggering elevated space weather conditions and setting the stage for potential light displays.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?
According to NOAA’s current forecast map, the southern boundary for viewing the northern lights sweeps just below the Canadian border. Areas with slight chances of aurora visibility include parts of northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
In contrast, the best opportunities to see vibrant auroral displays remain in northern Canada and Alaska, where geomagnetic activity tends to concentrate due to proximity to the magnetic poles.
Where Were The Northern Lights Visible Monday Night?
Monday night’s forecast included an impressive Kp index of 7, signaling the potential for aurora sightings as far south as southern Nebraska and areas just north of Missouri.
Numerous other states were also within the high-visibility zone, including Oregon, Wyoming, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. This extended reach resulted from the intense geomagnetic storm activity caused by the prior solar flare.
What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?
For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis, NOAA advises heading to a high-altitude spot with a clear view of the northern horizon and minimal light pollution. Ideal viewing times fall between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.
The most favorable seasons to observe auroras are between the spring and fall equinoxes, when geomagnetic activity tends to be more intense and consistent.
What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?
Capturing the northern lights with a smartphone can be done effectively by activating night mode, setting a long exposure time, and using a tripod for stability.
For those with dedicated cameras, National Geographic experts suggest using a wide-angle lens, setting the aperture to f/4 or lower, and again relying on a tripod to eliminate motion blur. These techniques help produce sharp, vivid images of the auroral waves.
Key Background
Experts from NOAA and NASA expect elevated auroral activity to persist through early 2026, driven by the sun reaching its “solar maximum” in 2024. This stage in the sun’s 11-year cycle is characterized by a spike in solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and other solar phenomena.
When charged particles from these solar events collide with the Earth’s upper atmosphere, they energize oxygen and nitrogen atoms, causing them to emit the dazzling colors associated with the northern lights—a natural light show of green, pink, red, and violet hues dancing across the sky.
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