How to Watch the Last-Minute Northern Lights Display Tonight

A supercharged display of auroras could light up the night sky over the weekend and be visible from various locations across the United States

Skyler Caruso
·3-min read
Artem Tsehelnyk/Suspilne Ukraine/JSC

Artem Tsehelnyk/Suspilne Ukraine/JSC "UA:PBC"/Global Images Ukraine via Getty

The Northern Lights

The auroras are at it again!

Skygazers have the chance to spot the northern lights from parts of the United States this weekend, supercharged by a massive coronal hole in the sun's atmosphere that's measured to be 500,000 miles wide.

Northern lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are caused by magnetic storms triggered by solar activity, like solar flares (explosions on the sun) or coronal mass ejections (ejected gas bubbles). When Earth's magnetic field and charged particles from the sun interact, the colors in the sky form.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a Kp index of four on a scale of nine is forecasted to start the weekend. This means the natural light display can be "quite pleasing" to see if looking at them from the right spot on Earth.

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The solar wind escaping from the aforementioned coronal hole is moving at a velocity of more than 310 miles per second, expected to reach Earth on Friday which could trigger a minor geomagnetic storm (G1). Still, it could intensify auroral displays despite the storm's lessened severity.

While northern lights are notably more common in polar regions near the Arctic Circle, geomagnetic storm watches have been forecast several times for parts of the United States in the past year. Exactly one month ago, NOAA predicted the auroras to be visible on New Year's Eve.

Regardless of the forecasts in space, however, visibility is dependent upon weather conditions here on Earth. Choosing a location away from bright city lights is in our control, but factors like fog and clouds that could shade the northern lights are up to Mother Nature.

Here's when and how to spot the northern lights, likely to dazzle the night sky through the first few days of February.

Related: The Year of the Snake Signals Radical Transformation for These 4 Chinese Zodiac Signs

When will the northern lights be visible?

JFK/APA/AFP via Getty The Northern Lights

JFK/APA/AFP via Getty

The Northern Lights

The northern lights are expected to be strongest between Friday, Jan. 31, and Saturday, Feb. 1. The best time to view them is from 10:00 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.

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There's a slight chance the auroras will be visible on Sunday, Feb. 2, but you should check in with NOAA's Space Weather Conditions for the most up-to-date forecasts.

Related: If You Were Born in the Year of the Snake, You Should Avoid These Enemy Signs

Where will the northern lights be visible?

The northern lights are predicted to be visible in parts of North America, with Northern Canada and Alaska expected to have the best chances at spotting them this weekend.

Northern Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Minnesota and upper Michigan are less likely to spot them, but there's still potential. They may radiate over Northern South Dakota, Michigan and Maine, too, but the chances are weaker.

How to watch the northern lights?

Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty The Northern Lights

Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty

The Northern Lights

What makes viewing the northern lights so great (aside from the breathtaking display of colors that dance across the night sky) is that they can be spotted with the naked eye, so no advanced technology is needed when watching.

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However, visibility is heavily dependent upon weather conditions since clear skies are always preferred for the best sight. That means, hope for no rain, fog or clouds in the forecast that will hinder viewing.

Also, avoid light pollution when peaking a spot to view the auroras from Earth. Watch from a dark location, away from city lights that will drown out the spectacular display of colors.

Related: Solar Storm Could Trigger Northern Lights as Far South as Alabama – How to Photograph Them with Your Phone

How to take photos of the northern lights?

Smartphones have an awesome technological capability to capture the northern lights on camera so you can remember the phenomenon forever! All you have to do is put your phone in "Night Mode."

In fact, this setting can oftentimes pick up the northern lights even when they’re not visible to the naked eye! Authorities in Iceland have shared a few tips on how to best capture the northern lights, too.

Read the original article on People

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