Topline
The northern lights could be visible in some parts of the northern U.S. on Sunday night, according to a forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, although forecasters did not predict any space weather events that could cause more vivid lightshows.
The aurora has a chance to be visible from some northern states on Sunday night.
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Key Facts
NOAA is predicting a Kp index of four out of nine for Sunday night, meaning the aurora could appear brighter in certain places and more active with “motion and formations.”
However, forecasters are not predicting any major space weather in the next few days, which can enhance northern lights visibility.
Where Could the Northern Lights Be Visible?
NOAA predicts states along the U.S.-Canadian border could have a chance of seeing the aurora on Sunday night, including North Dakota, along with northern portions of Washington, Idaho, Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The lights could also be visible from most of Alaska, with much of the state’s interior shown with a high chance in NOAA’s forecast. However, the sun sets incredibly late in Alaska during the summer months, meaning the sky might not get dark enough for viewers to see a vivid aurora.
NOAA’s aurora forecast map for Sunday.
NOAA
What’s the Best Way to View the Northern Lights?
Experts at NOAA recommend viewers generally travel as far north as possible, and position themselves on a vantage point like a hill with a clear view of the sky. Viewers should also make sure this site gets dark enough, and is away from sources of light like cities. The lights are typically most active in the hours just before and after midnight, according to NOAA, so viewers should aim to watch the sky between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
What’s the Best Way to Photograph the Northern Lights?
A photographer who spoke to National Geographic said smartphones are capable of taking high quality images of the northern lights, provided users are using the correct settings and equipment. Prospective photographers should remember to bring a tripod and a remote timer for their devices. They should also ensure they turn off flash, switch their devices to night mode and shoot in RAW image format.