Topline
Another solar flare was released from a massive sunspot Wednesday, meaning the Northern Lights may be visible again tonight, though they won’t be as intense as they have been in recent days.
Key Facts
Region 3664, a massive sunspot that’s produced recent geometric storms, released another flare on Wednesday, so the Northern Lights may be visible for yet another day, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The NOAA said Region 3664 “remains relentless,” as it previously caused multiple geometric storms and eruptions called coronal mass ejections, which can cause the Northern Lights to be visible when they interact with Earth’s magnetic field.
Wednesday’s lights have a Kp index between zero and two, so they won’t be as intense as previous auroras, and will be farther north, according to the NOAA.
The probability these lights will be visible tonight is also much lower, with a possibility of between 0% and 50%.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible Tonight?
Although it’s difficult for astronomers to pinpoint where the Northern Lights will be visible, NOAA data show they might be visible in Canada and northern states like Washington, Montana and North Dakota. The lights are the most active between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. For the best views of the Northern Lights, the agency advises traveling as close to the poles as possible, avoiding city lights and other light pollution, monitoring weather forecasts for prime viewing conditions and finding a position on a vantage point like a hilltop.
Surprising Fact
Another solar flare erupted on Wednesday in different region of the sun. Although the NOAA isn’t sure of the exact location, it believes it occurred in the old Region 3665. Since the area is so far from Earth, it won’t be visible.
Key Background
Earth started experiencing a “historic” geometric storm Friday, which went on into the weekend. The NOAA issued a warning for a second geometric storm on Tuesday, and although they weren’t as intense as the lights over the weekend, the phenomenon was visible in states like New York, Vermont, Idaho, Maine and Washington. Geomagnetic storms are more common during the solar maximum, which is the moment when the Sun’s magnetic poles flip, and are associated with increased sunspots and solar flares. Though the exact timing is hard to predict, the solar maximum typically occurs every 11 years, and the NOAA predicted the current cycle would peak between January and October.
Further Reading
Northern Lights Could Show Up Yet Again Tonight: Here’s An Updated Aurora Borealis Forecast (Forbes)
Tonight’s Updated Northern Lights Forecast: Here’s Where You Could See Aurora Borealis (Forbes)
