Topline
The northern lights could be visible from several states along the U.S.-Canadian border on Sunday night, forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said, as the Earth could see the effects of minor geomagnetic storms.
Solar winds escaping from cooler regions of the sun could impact the aurora on Sunday night.
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Key Facts
Forecasters at NOAA are predicting a Kp index of four out of nine on Sunday night, meaning the aurora could appear “brighter” further from the poles, with more “motions and formations.”
The Earth could also see the effects of minor geomagnetic storms over Sunday night, forecasters said, caused by the effects of high speed streams originating from coronal holes on the Sun.
The aurora view line for October 12.
NOAA
What Are Coronal Holes?
Coronal holes are large regions of the Sun that appear darker in photographs taken by astronomers. According to NOAA, these regions appear darker because they are relatively cooler and less dense with open magnetic fields that allow high speed solar winds to escape. When these solar winds interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, they cause geomagnetic storm conditions. These storms are measured on a scale of one through five, and the storms expected on Sunday night are only G1 on the scale. However, even mild storms like these can impact power grids and satellites. They can also cause the northern lights to appear more visible further south into the continental U.S.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?
The aurora could be visible from several states along the U.S.-Canadian border, including parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Much of the upper Midwest is also within Sunday’s view line, including most of Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and northern Michigan. On the East Coast, the aurora could also be visible from parts of northern Maine. The lights might also be visible from much of Alaska.
What’s The Best Way To View The Aurora?
Experts at NOAA recommend viewers travel north towards Earth’s magnetic north pole, which is located in northern Canada. Viewers should try to find a vantage point with a clear view north, ideally one that is far from city lights. The aurora tends to be most active in the hours just before and after midnight, so viewers should try to conduct their trips between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Aurora?
Photography experts told National Geographic recommend using a camera with a wide angle lens, or any low light capable lens with an aperture of 4.0 or lower. Smartphone cameras are also capable of capturing the northern lights, but remember to turn off flash and switch to night mode. Whether using a camera or smartphone, experts recommend photographers bring a tripod to stabilize the device.