Northern Lights Visible Tonight in 11 States
A rare geomagnetic event may make the Northern Lights visible as far south as 11 U.S. states tonight, including Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Clear, dark skies away from city lights are recommended for optimal viewing of the aurora. The phenomenon offers a rare opportunity for stargazers in typically southern viewing zones.
- The current aurora is caused by a minor G1-class geomagnetic storm, a result of high-speed solar winds escaping through a "coronal hole" in the sun's atmosphere. The event is also influenced by the sunspot AR4366, the most active region of the current solar cycle, which is once again facing Earth. - In addition to the states mentioned, the full list of potential viewing locations includes Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Maine. If the storm intensifies to a G2-class, the aurora could be visible on the northern horizon in states even further south, such as Oregon, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, and New York. - The intensity of geomagnetic storms is measured on a Kp-index scale from 0 to 9. The current event is forecast to be a Kp 5, which corresponds to a "minor" G1 geomagnetic storm. - This event is occurring as the sun approaches the peak of its current 11-year cycle, known as Solar Cycle 25, which is expected in 2025. This heightened solar activity makes strong auroras more frequent and visible at lower latitudes. - The visibility is enhanced by the "equinox effect," a phenomenon occurring in the weeks around the spring and fall equinoxes. During this time, the alignment of Earth's magnetic field makes it twice as likely for solar particles to stream into the atmosphere and create auroras. - To photograph the aurora with a smartphone, use a tripod to keep the phone steady and activate "Night Mode." Manually set the shutter speed for a long exposure of 5 to 15 seconds to capture the light and color of the display.
