Aurora Borealis Prediction for Tonight and Tomorrow Night: Intensity and Viewing Locations Across North America
Tonight and tomorrow night, North America is set to witness another stunning display of the Aurora Borealis, with varying intensity and visibility across the continent. Based on the OVATION model, this prediction provides insights into the aurora’s intensity, the potential locations to view it, and how far south the aurora may be seen. This product uses the maximum forecast geomagnetic activity (Kp) between 6 pm and 6 am US Central Time, offering a detailed forecast of the aurora’s visibility and strength.
Aurora Intensity and Location
The aurora, often referred to as the “Northern Lights,” is driven by solar activity and Earth’s geomagnetic field. The forecast is presented as a green oval centered on the Earth’s magnetic pole, representing the typical location of auroral activity. As the solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetosphere, this oval may expand, contract, or shift, depending on the intensity of the geomagnetic storm.
Tonight and tomorrow night, the green oval will show areas where the aurora is visible, with the color of the oval changing to red when auroral activity is particularly strong. The red oval indicates a more intense aurora, potentially visible farther south than usual.
Southern Viewline and Visibility
The aurora’s visibility is not limited to the magnetic poles. Even in locations far from the Arctic, you may still get a chance to see the aurora under the right conditions. The southernmost locations from which the aurora can be seen are represented by a “viewline” on the map. This viewline indicates the boundary where the aurora may be visible on the northern horizon. For tonight and tomorrow night, the southernmost regions where the aurora may appear are expected to stretch further south depending on the forecasted intensity, potentially reaching as far as the northern parts of the U.S. such as parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and even further.
When Can You See the Aurora?
While the aurora is most visible in polar regions, it can be observed from much farther away under the right conditions. The best time to view the aurora is during the night, starting just after sunset and ending before sunrise. During daylight hours, the aurora is not visible due to the brightness of the sun.
The aurora doesn’t need to be directly overhead. Depending on the intensity, you could see it even from locations up to 1000 kilometers away from the center of the auroral oval. Areas in the northern U.S. and Canada have the best chances of viewing the aurora, especially in regions like Alaska and parts of Canada.
Short-Term and Historical Activity
In addition to the general forecast for tonight and tomorrow night, users can also find a short-term forecast for the next 30 minutes, providing the most up-to-date information on auroral activity. Additionally, a record of the last 24 hours of geomagnetic activity helps give context to current conditions and informs potential viewing opportunities.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hoping to witness a faint green glow on the horizon or catch the aurora in full red brilliance, tonight and tomorrow night will offer excellent opportunities to view one of nature’s most breathtaking phenomena. With geomagnetic activity predicted to be intense, many parts of North America may see the aurora on their northern horizons. The maps and viewlines, updated continuously, will help guide you to the best spots for aurora viewing.
