The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration prediction suggests that Wednesday night could be a chance for some areas of the northern U.S. to see the northern lights, with more chances predicted through the end of the week.
The northern lights will be drawn farther south and will be “quite pleasing to look at” for people in the vicinity, according to the forecast for Wednesday night’s auroral activity, which has a Kp index of four on a scale of nine.
Similar geomagnetic activity is projected through Friday, according to NOAA’s three-day prediction, with a Kp index of four for Thursday and three for Friday.
Following a powerful solar flare that burst from the sun’s surface last week, there is still a “slight chance” of modest solar radiation, which might affect satellite operations and cause power grid oscillations.
Where Can I See the Northern Lights?
With a view line that borders below the Canadian border, indicating a minimum opportunity, northern Canada and Alaska will have a good likelihood of viewing aurora borealis.
Parts of northern Washington, Idaho, South Dakota, Michigan, New York, and Maine will have an even lower probability than those in northern Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
How Can I Get the Best View of the Northern Lights?
According to NOAA, the northern lights are best viewed from a high vantage point free from light pollution between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
How Can I Take the Greatest Northern Lights Photographs?
According to Adobe, auroral activity can be captured with a standard camera by using a wide aperture, low shutter speed, high ISO value, and the focus set to the furthest setting. Iceland’s travel website suggests using a smartphone and putting it in night mode with a slower shutter speed.
Important Background
There are more sun spots and coronal mass ejections as a result of the sun’s surface activity reaching a “solar maximum,” which raises auroral activity on Earth.
NASA predicts that this peak will last through 2025 and into early 2026. The final supermoon of the year is predicted to emerge later this week, but other celestial occurrences, such as two Taurid meteor showers, have been visible in the night sky in recent weeks.
The supermoon this month is often referred to as the “beaver” moon because it appears to be 14% larger and almost 30% brighter than the typical moon.
