Topline
The northern lights will potentially be visible in a strip of the northernmost states in the contiguous U.S. on Sunday night, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s latest forecast.
The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), which emerge as a result of the interaction between the … [+]
Key Facts
The northern lights will potentially be visible in seven states plus Alaska, according to NOAA, which predicts a Kp index of three, meaning the lights “will become brighter and there will be more auroral activity (motion and formations)” and “can be quite pleasing to look at.”
No minor or greater geomagnetic storms are expected, but there is a chance for minor to moderate radio blackouts through Nov. 19, and a slight chance for strong blackouts.
A similar forecast to Sunday is expected over the next three days, with NOAA predicting a maximum Kp index of 3.67 on both Sunday and Monday and up to three on the scale on Tuesday.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible Tonight?
There’s a low likelihood of visibility in Alaska and parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota and Wisconsin. (See viewing line below)
Sunday night’s view line.
How Do You See The Northern Lights?
The lights are typically the most active between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. NOAA advises viewing the lights as close to the poles as possible, avoiding light pollution, monitoring weather forecasts for prime viewing conditions and finding a position on a vantage point like a hilltop.
How Do You Photograph The Lights?
Night mode and longer exposure times on smartphones can help viewers grab photos of the northern lights, as well as an increase in camera exposure.
Tangent
The year’s last “supermoon” was visible Friday night, coinciding with a Leonid meteor shower that reached its peak Saturday night into early Sunday. The shower lasts through Dec. 2.
Key Background
The anticipated peak of Solar Cycle 25, the sun’s 11-year solar cycle which is expected to crest somewhere between late 2024 and early 2026, has led to an increase in solar activity over the past few months. The northern lights have become more visible to more people in recent weeks as activity on the sun’s surface reached a “solar maximum,” causing more sunspots and coronal mass ejections, according to NASA. During a strong geomagnetic storm last month, the northern lights were pulled as far south as Texas.
Further Reading
A High-Speed Leonids Meteor Shower Peaks This Weekend—Here’s How To Watch (Forbes)
Last Supermoon Of 2024 Emerges This Week—Here’s What To Know About The ‘Beaver’ Moon (Forbes)