The northern lights could be visible from several northern states on Sunday night, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as a coronal mass ejection and solar winds cause geomagnetic storms on Earth.
Key Facts
Forecasters at NOAA predicted a Kp index of five out of nine for Sunday night, meaning the northern lights could appear brighter with more “motions and formations” for viewers in the right place.
Forecasters are also predicting minor to moderate geomagnetic storms on Sunday night, possibly impacting the aurora.
Where Could The Aurora Be Visible?
The aurora could be visible from states along the U.S.-Canadian border, according to NOAA’s view line for Sunday night. In the West, these include most of Washington, the Idaho Panhandle, most of Montana, northeastern Wyoming, North Dakota and most of South Dakota. They could also be visible from parts of the Upper Midwest, including Minnesota, northern Iowa, most of Wisconsin and northern Michigan. On the East Coast, the lights could be visible from the northern portions of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The aurora could also be visible from most of Alaska.
What Is Causing The Aurora On Sunday?
Lingering effects from a coronal mass ejection—a burst of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun—are continuing to cause minor to moderate geomagnetic storms, according to NOAA forecasters. Observers are also expecting high speed solar winds from a coronal hole to further impact the Earth’s geomagnetic field, potentially causing further storms. Even at moderate levels, these storms can cause the northern lights to appear brighter and visible further south.
What’s The Best Way To View The Aurora?
Experts at NOAA recommend prospective viewers travel north, toward Earth’s magnetic north pole located in Canada. Viewers should find a good vantage point, away from city lights, with a clear view of the northern night sky. The aurora can be visible 600 miles south of where it appears. Viewers should time their trips to the hours the aurora is most active—typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Aurora?
Viewers who want to take photos of the northern lights can use the cameras in many modern smartphones, experts who spoke to National Geographic said. Both Apple and Android users should turn on night mode, shoot in RAW image format and turn off flash. Photographers should also brace their devices with a tripod to capture the night sky.
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