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Topline
According to a prediction from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, various states in the northern regions of the United States could potentially witness the northern lights on Thursday night.
The aurora borealis, known for its vibrant colors, highlights the night sky at St. Mary’s lighthouse in Whitley Bay, England on March 26.
Key Facts
The aurora forecast for Thursday indicates a Kp index of four on a scale of nine, suggesting that the display may extend further from the poles and exhibit enhanced brightness and activity, which could make for an enjoyable viewing experience, according to NOAA.
The stunning visual phenomenon of the northern lights occurs due to geomagnetic activity that causes particles to collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in breathtaking displays.
Although the visibility of the auroras is expected to diminish by the end of the week, it was predicted that they would be observable in around 15 states from Wednesday night into Thursday, reaching a Kp index of 6.33 spurred by a minor to moderate geomagnetic storm.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible Tonight?
On Thursday night, the northern lights should be visible in regions including Alaska and Canada, and the visibility will likely extend to parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine.
What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?
For optimal viewing of the northern lights, NOAA suggests finding an unobstructed location with a northern view, far removed from artificial lights. The ideal timeframe for observation is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, when geomagnetic conditions are often at their peak.
How Can You Photograph The Northern Lights?
To effectively capture the northern lights using a smartphone, it is advisable to utilize night mode and reduce the shutter speed, enhancing the possibility of depicting the lights’ dynamic movements.
Key Background
Recently, the visibility of the northern lights across the U.S. has increased as the sun reached its “solar maximum.” This peak occurs during its 11-year solar cycle and was achieved in October. Experts indicate that the period of heightened geomagnetic activity could persist for about a year. Notably, recent forecasts have shown strong geomagnetic storms that have caused Kp indices to reach 6 or above, leading to widespread visibility of the auroras across nearly half of the states in the U.S.
Further Reading
Northern Lights Forecast: ‘Strong’ Geomagnetic Storm May Bring Aurora Borealis To These 15 States
Northern Lights Displays Hit A 500-Year Peak In 2024—Here’s Where You Could Catch Aurora Borealis In 2025
Source
www.forbes.com