Topline
The northern lights could be visible from a large swath of the northern United States tonight, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as a strong geomagnetic storm raises the chances of auroras appearing farther south than usual.
A strong geomagnetic storm could make the northern lights visible across parts of the northern U.S. and Canada, with peak activity expected late Monday night.
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Key Facts
Forecasters are predicting a Kp index of eight out of nine for tonight, signaling a strong geomagnetic storm that could make the northern lights visible farther south than usual.
The display follows a powerful X1.9 solar flare that erupted Sunday night, when charged particles from a sunspot facing Earth collided with Earth’s magnetic field, triggering heightened auroral activity.
Where Could The Northern Lights Be Visible?
According to NOAA’s view line for Monday night, the aurora could be visible from U.S. states along the U.S.–Canada border, including all of Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Alaska, as well as all of South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin. Essentially all of New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Nebraska, Wyoming and Idaho are also within the view line, along with most of Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana and Oregon. Northern stretches of New Jersey and Missouri are also above the view line, as well as far northeastern Colorado and the northeastern tip of Utah.
What’s The Best Way To View The Northern Lights?
Experts at NOAA recommend that aurora viewers travel north, ideally as close to the magnetic North Pole as possible. Viewers should find a spot away from cities and other lights, with a clear view of the northern sky. Auroras are typically most active between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?
Prospective photographers can use their typical smartphone to capture great photos, an expert told Forbes, but should turn the flash off and shoot in RAW image format. iPhone users should use the device’s standard lens and switch on Night mode, while Android users should go for their phone’s Pro mode. A tripod can also help stabilize a smartphone to better capture the sky.
