NEED TO KNOW
NOAA forecasts below-storm-level activity despite coronal mass ejections reaching Earth
Viewers in Alaska, northern Canada and some upper Midwest states have the best chance of seeing auroras
Smartphone night mode may capture faint displays better than the naked eye
Could the northern lights be making a surprise cameo tonight?
For reference, the northern lights (aurora borealis) are a result of geomagnetic storms, which occur when charged particles from the Sun collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating brilliant waves of light in the sky.
Between Sunday, Oct. 11, and Tuesday, Oct. 13, a series of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) — huge clouds of charged particles and magnetic fields hurled from the Sun — set out toward Earth, and NOAA said their arrival could stir geomagnetic storm conditions late this Thursday, Oct. 16.
According to the latest forecast, geomagnetic activity is expected to stay below storm levels, with the strongest three-hour Kp forecast at just 2.67. That’s a quiet-to-unsettled backdrop, not the G1 or G2 storm conditions that typically push the auroras farther south.
Still, the northern lights are notoriously fickle, so brief displays can’t be ruled out, especially under dark skies at high northern latitudes.
NOAA’s three-day forecast also notes that as solar-wind measurements arrive, conditions may shift during the evening.
So, if you’re hoping for a glimpse of the dazzling aurora, keep an eye on the real-time map and give your eyes time to adjust once you’re away from city lights.
In the meantime, read on for everything you need to know about this stellar event.
When will the northern lights be visible?
Aurora Borealis
Credit: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty
Look up after dark and check conditions throughout the night.
NOAA’s forecast puts activity below storm levels, with the highest predicted Kp period from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. ET.
However, despite the forecast window, it doesn’t guarantee visible auroras.
It doesn’t hurt to keep an eye out for the aurora either way.
Where will the northern lights be visible?
Northern Lights
Credit: Lance King/Getty
The best chance to catch a glimpse of the auroras is at high northern latitudes, including Alaska and far northern Canada, under clear, dark skies.
“The aurora may become visible over some northern and upper Midwest states from New York to Idaho,” NOAA said.
How to watch the northern lights?
Aurora borealis
Credit: Gallo Images ROOTS Collection/Getty
Get away from city lights!
Auroras are surprisingly faint to the naked eye at first, especially during weaker geomagnetic storms, so dark skies make a huge difference.
Patience matters, too! After all, auroral activity can fluctuate quickly, sometimes appearing as a faint glow before suddenly erupting into visible ribbons or waves of green light.
Remember to also keep tabs on real-time conditions using NOAA’s 30-minute aurora forecast and space-weather apps that track solar wind and magnetic field changes.
How to photograph the northern lights?
Did you know that your smartphone camera might actually capture the aurora better than your eyes can during weaker storms?
If you’re using a smartphone, switch to night mode or long exposure mode and hold the camera as still as possible — ideally with a tripod or by propping it against something stable. You’ll want to keep your setup as steady as possible, since the auroras are best captured with long exposures.
All you have to do is head to your device’s settings and tap the “night mode” option or “pro mode,” which offers similar exposure times.
Read the original article on People