Topline
There may be another chance to view the Northern Lights Friday night after solar eruptions caused strong geomagnetic storms to produce the aurora in several continental states.
Key Facts
Friday night’s aurora has a Kp index of four, which means there will be more activity as the lights become brighter and “quite pleasing to look at” if weather conditions are optimal, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
NOAA upgraded its moderate G2 geomagnetic storm watch for Thursday to a strong G3 watch or greater, which caused Thursday night’s aurora Kp index to be bumped up to a seven.
A coronal mass ejection—an eruption of solar material—that happened early Tuesday is the cause of elevated geomagnetic activity, and this produced dazzling light shows across Canada, Alaska and several northern and Midwestern states from Washington to Maine.
Solar activity has been unusually busy in recent months as the sun’s 11-year solar cycle approaches its anticipated peak between late 2024 and early 2026, with sunspots expected to intensify over the next year, and likely triggering more geomagnetic storms.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?
Though it’s difficult to pinpoint where the Northern Lights will show up, they may be the most visible Friday night in Canada and Alaska, according to NOAA (see image below). However, continental U.S. states within the aurora’s view line include Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine and the northernmost parts of New York.
What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?
The lights are typically 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.
What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?
Smartphone cameras are sensitive enough to pick up the aurora, even when it’s invisible to the naked eye. Visit Iceland, a tourist website for Iceland, where the lights are often visible, advises turning on night mode to best increase smartphone camera exposure.
Key Background
Solar Cycle 25—the cycle the sun goes through around every 11 years—has been the cause of geomagnetic storms that have resulted in recent sightings of the Northern Lights, and NASA predicts it will continue on into next year. Cycle 25 began in Dec. 2019, and it’s estimated it will reach its maximum—when activity is expected to peak—between late 2024 and early 2026. It’s projected to peak with 115 sunspots, which are where geomagnetic storms originate. Although the maximum hasn’t happened yet, the sun’s activity has been busier than scientists anticipated, so it’s possible there will be even more geomagnetic storms leading up to 2026, though it’s difficult to predict exactly when these storms will occur.
