Topline
The northern lights have a higher chance to be visible next week, according to a forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, beginning on Monday night when a coronal mass ejection from the Sun is expected to arrive at the Earth.
Although the northern lights likely won’t be visible on Sunday night, expected geomagnetic storms could make the aurora reappear further south on Monday.
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Key Facts
NOAA is predicting a Kp index of five out nine for Monday night, meaning the aurora could appear brighter and further south from the magnetic north pole.
The Earth could see the effects of minor geomagnetic storms starting on Monday, when forecasters expect a coronal mass ejection that left the sun on June 26 to arrive and interact with the planet.
The aurora most likely won’t be visible on Sunday night, however, as NOAA currently predicts a Kp index of just one out of nine—meaning the lights only have a low chance to be visible only in northern Canada and Alaska.
What Are Coronal Mass Ejections?
Coronal mass ejections are large bursts of solar material that escape from the Sun’s corona, or outer layer of atmosphere. This material consists of plasma and magnetic field, which are stronger than typical background solar winds, according to NOAA. When this material reaches earth, it can cause geomagnetic storms. NOAA is currently only predicting minor storms for Monday night—a G1 on their scale out of five. But even minor storms can make the northern lights appear further south.
Where Could the Aurora Be Visible on Monday?
States along the U.S.-Canadian border have a “low” likelihood to see the lights starting on Monday, according to NOAA’s current predictions. These include northern Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. In the Midwest, the lights also have a low likelihood to be visible from northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The lights also have a decent chance to be visible from Alaska, with most of the state falling within the “high” likelihood for visibility area on Monday night.
NOAA’s forecast map for Monday night.
NOAA
What’s the Best Way to View the Northern Lights?
Experts at NOAA recommend viewers travel as far north as possible for the best chance to get a glimpse of the aurora. Viewers should position themselves on a vantage point with a clear view of the northern sky, and make sure they are far from sources of light pollution. The aurora is typically most active in the hours just around midnight, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
What’s the Best Way to Photograph the Northern Lights?
Photographers who spoke to National Geographic said smartphone users now have the capabilities to take high quality photos of the lights with their own devices. Users should optimize their devices by using night mode, turning off flash and shooting in RAW image format. All cameras need to be held still for longer periods of time in order to capture enough light for an image of the aurora, so experts recommend prospective photographers invest in a tripod and timer for their devices as well.