Latest news with #geomagneticstorms
Forbes
4 days ago
- Climate
- Forbes
Northern Lights Alert: Some States May See Aurora Borealis Thursday
An 'isolated' period of geomagnetic storms is likely to disrupt Earth's magnetic field late Thursday, as several states could have a chance to see the northern lights, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. An 'isolated' period of 'moderate' geomagnetic storms is expected through early Friday, forecasters ... More said. Getty Images NOAA forecast a Kp index of four on a scale of nine for Thursday night, indicating the northern lights will be more active away from the poles and be 'quite pleasing to look at' for those in the right areas. Some 'minor' geomagnetic storms occurred early Thursday, and there's a chance for an 'isolated' and 'moderate' storming period late Thursday and early Friday because of the effects of a colder, less dense spot on the sun's surface, NOAA said. Auroral activity will likely be calmer Friday and Saturday, according to NOAA's three-day forecast, with a maximum Kp index of about three forecast for both days. Alaska is forecast with a higher chance of seeing the northern lights on Thursday once the sun sets in the state. A lesser chance is forecast across northern Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota and Upper Michigan, while a lower, yet possible likelihood is expected in parts of Washington, northern Idaho, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Maine. (See map below.) Thursday's view line. NOAA The best time to see the northern lights is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, according to NOAA, which recommends traveling north to a high vantage point away from light pollution. If weather conditions are optimal, the aurora borealis could be visible even if geomagnetic activity is calmer, NOAA said. What's The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights? A photography expert told National Geographic it's best to use a wide-angle lens, an aperture or F-stop of four or lower and a tripod to stabilize the image. With a smartphone, NOAA recommends enabling night mode and disabling flash. Key Background The northern lights have been more visible over the last year after activity on the sun's surface reached a 'solar maximum.' This peak, occurring throughout the sun's 11-year cycle, marks an increase in solar events like solar flares and coronal mass ejections. The latest 'solar maximum' surpassed projections by NOAA and NASA, which suggested the northern lights displays hit a 500-year peak. Stronger auroral displays will likely continue through early 2026 as the 'solar maximum' is maintained, the agencies said. Forbes Northern Lights Displays Hit A 500-Year Peak In 2024—Here's Where You Could Catch Aurora Borealis In 2025 By Ty Roush
Fast Company
5 days ago
- Climate
- Fast Company
Aurora borealis forecast: Northern lights may be visible in 15 states tonight. Here's the best time to see them
If you missed the northern lights, or aurora borealis, earlier this month, you may have a second chance tonight, Wednesday, June 25, when they may be visible in some 15 U.S. states. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts the next possibility for viewing the northern lights is Wednesday night, with best viewing from Alaska to South Dakota. The agency's three-day forecast is predicting G1 to G2 geomagnetic storms, which are considered minor to moderate, on a scale of G1 to G5. A stream of solar wind from a coronal hole on the sun, is likely to create auroras, or swaths of blue, green, and purple in the sky, when it reaches Earth. This year's increased solar activity is likely the result of an 11-year sun cycle peaking through October. Where and when will the northern lights be visible? According to this map from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, a total of 15 are in the line of view for the auroras, with Alaska and the northernmost states expected to have the best visibility on Wednesday, June 25. They are: Alaska, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Michigan, Maine, New York, Vermont, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Wyoming, South Dakota, northern Idaho, Iowa, and Washington. However, since we just experienced the summer solstice, which brings the longest days of the year, and therefore, the shortest nights, viewing may be hampered with less hours of night sky in some areas. The aurora borealis is best observed just after sunset or just before sunrise. predicts activity will remain high through 2025 and 2026. You can track the aurora on NOAA's page, where the agency is providing updates.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Climate
- Forbes
Northern Lights Alert: Aurora Borealis Could Appear In These States Tuesday
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expects several states in the northern U.S. to have an opportunity to see the northern lights Tuesday night as geomagnetic storms will likely disrupt Earth's magnetic field. Some 'minor' to 'moderate' geomagnetic storms are expected through Thursday, forecasters said. Image Rene Rossignaud/AP NOAA forecasts a Kp index of five on a scale of nine for Tuesday night, suggesting the northern lights could be brighter and more active while moving farther from the poles. Some 'minor' to 'moderate' geomagnetic storms are projected through the night and into early Wednesday morning, following the 'recurrent, negative polarity' of colder, less dense spots on the sun's surface, NOAA said. Other 'minor' geomagnetic storms are expected Wednesday night and Thursday morning, with a maximum Kp index of five forecast, according to NOAA's three-day forecast. The aurora borealis has the highest likelihood of being visible across Canada, and while Alaska is also forecast with a high chance of visibility, the state won't be dark enough during peak viewing hours. A minimal opportunity marked by a 'view line' is forecast through northern Iowa and other northern states, suggesting there's a low, but potential, chance in parts of Wyoming, South Dakota, northern New York, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. A still relatively low, yet higher, chance is expected in areas of Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. (See map below.) Tuesday's view line. NOAA NOAA recommends traveling to a high vantage point away from light pollution. The agency said the northern lights are best seen between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, and if in the right area with optimal weather conditions, the aurora borealis could be visible even with lower geomagnetic activity, including a Kp index of three or four. What's The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights? An expert writing for National Geographic recommended a regular camera with a wide-angle lens and an aperture or F-stop of four or lower, while other settings like ISO and shutter speed will likely need to be adjusted depending on the aurora's strength. With a smartphone, NOAA said it's best to use a tripod to stabilize the image long enough to capture the northern lights displays. The agency also recommended disabling flash and enabling night mode. Key Background The northern lights, while visible throughout the year, are seen more often between late September and March when nights are longer, experts said. Solar events like solar flares and coronal mass ejections produce northern lights displays, as electrons from these events collide with oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere. An increase in solar activity was achieved in October 2024, NOAA and NASA said, as the sun reached the 'solar maximum' period of its 11-year cycle. This peak is expected to persist into early 2026, the agencies noted. Forbes Northern Lights Displays Hit A 500-Year Peak In 2024—Here's Where You Could Catch Aurora Borealis In 2025 By Ty Roush
Forbes
19-06-2025
- Climate
- Forbes
Northern Lights Alert: Some States Could See Aurora Borealis Thursday
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday some geomagnetic storms will likely disrupt Earth's magnetic field soon, which could make the northern lights visible in several states tonight. TK NOAA forecast a Kp index of five on a scale of nine for Thursday night, suggesting the northern lights will become brighter as they become more active while moving farther from the poles. Thursday's auroral forecast will likely increase through the night and into Friday morning, when some 'minor' or greater geomagnetic storms are expected, according to NOAA's three-day forecast. Calmer auroral activity is expected through Saturday night, with a maximum Kp index of just over three and two for Friday and Saturday, respectively, NOAA's projections suggest. The northern lights have the highest chance of being seen throughout Canada, with a minimal opportunity—marked by a 'view line'—forecast through northern Iowa and other northern states. A lesser chance is expected in northern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, with a near-zero chance forecast for parts of northern Wyoming, South Dakota, northern Iowa, northern New York, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. While Alaska is forecast with a high likelihood, the state won't be dark enough at the time. (See map below.) Thursday's view line. NOAA recommends traveling to the north and finding a high, north-facing vantage point away from light pollution. If in the right area in optimal weather conditions, the aurora borealis can be visible even with lower geomagnetic activity, including a Kp index of three or four, the agency said, noting the northern lights are best seen within at least two hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. Photography experts told National Geographic a wide-angle lens and an aperture or F-stop of four or lower are recommended, though other settings like ISO and shutter speed will likely need to be adjusted depending on the strength of the aurora borealis. With a smartphone, the experts suggest using a tripod to stabilize the image long enough to capture the northern lights displays. They also recommend disabling flash and enabling night mode. An increase in northern lights displays throughout the U.S. follows a peak in solar activity reached in October 2024, NOAA and NASA said. This peak features more solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which produce the northern lights as electrons from these events collide with oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere. Though the northern lights can be seen throughout the year, they are most visible between late September and March when nights are longer, experts said.
Forbes
17-06-2025
- Climate
- Forbes
Northern Lights Alert: Here's Where Aurora Borealis May Appear Tuesday
A selection of states along the Canadian border could have a chance to see the northern lights Tuesday after a period of recent geomagnetic storms, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Some geomagnetic storms pulled the northern lights to more states in recent days. NOAA forecast auroral activity with a Kp index of three on a scale of nine, suggesting the northern lights could become more active farther from the poles and be 'quite pleasing to look at' for those in the right areas. Tuesday's auroral forecast follows 'minor' geomagnetic storms that disrupted Earth's magnetic field over the last two days, increasing the Kp index to around four and boosting a chance to see the northern lights in Maine, South Dakota, New York, New Hampshire and Vermont. No minor or greater geomagnetic storms are expected through Thursday, according to NOAA's three-day forecast, with calmer auroral activity also forecast. There's a lesser chance the northern lights will be visible in parts of northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. A higher likelihood is forecast across Canada and Alaska. (See map below.) Tuesday's view line. NOAA recommends traveling to a high vantage point away from light pollution to see the northern lights, which the agency said are best seen between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. With a smartphone, NOAA suggests enabling night mode and disabling flash, while also using a tripod to stabilize the image. If using a regular camera, photography experts told National Geographic it's best to use a wide-angle lens, an aperture or F-stop of four or less and a focus set to the furthest possible setting. Activity on the sun's surface achieved a 'solar maximum' in October 2024, meaning the northern lights could be more visible into early 2026. NOAA and NASA said this peak corresponds with an increase in solar events like solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which are responsible for the northern lights. Electrons from these events collide with oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere, causing them to release energy in the form of swirling lights. The strongest geomagnetic storm to reach Earth in two decades reached the atmosphere in May 2024, bringing the northern lights as far south as Florida and Texas.
