Northern lights may be viewable in parts of Michigan. Where to see them
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Northern lights may be viewable in parts of Michigan. Where to see them
The northern lights could be visible as far south as Saginaw Bay Friday, June 13. The best viewing time is typically within an hour or two of midnight, NOAA says. The agency maintains an aurora dashboard that should help skygazers track the phenomenon. The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are waves of light created when the solar wind strikes the atmosphere, creating a display of moving lights in the night sky.”For many people, the aurora is a beautiful nighttime phenomenon that is worth traveling to arctic regions just to observe,” NOAA says in a report, following a geomagnetic storm watch for areas in the Midwest.. Michigan offers numerous dark sky parks and locations ideal for aurora viewing, the agency says.
Several resources, including an aurora dashboard, are available to track the northern lights.
Michigan offers numerous dark sky parks and locations ideal for aurora viewing.
Residents in northern Michigan are within the aurora borealis viewline this weekend, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says, following a geomagnetic storm watch for areas in the Midwest.
The Space Weather Prediction Center classified the geomagnetic storm as G2, the second-lowest level on its scale that sorts intensity from G1 (least) to G5 (most).
“For many people, the aurora is a beautiful nighttime phenomenon that is worth traveling to arctic regions just to observe. It is the only way for most people to actually experience space weather,” the NOAA website said in a report.
Here’s what to know about the northern lights this weekend in Michigan, and where to see them:
Where will the northern lights be visible?
According to NOAA, the lights could be visible as far south as Saginaw Bay Friday, June 13, and Saturday, June 14.
“Intervals of G1-G2 (Minor-Moderate) storming are expected through 15 June,” NOAA said.
Solar activity this weekend will reach a Kp rating of 6.0 at about 5 p.m. June 13. The Kp could reach 4.67 at 11 p.m. June 14.
What are the northern lights?
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are waves of light created when the solar wind strikes the atmosphere, creating a display of moving lights in the night sky.
When is the best time to see the northern lights?
If the weather is clear, the best aurora is usually visible within an hour or two of midnight, according to NOAA.
The agency maintains an aurora dashboard that should help skygazers track the phenomenon.
How can I find out when the northern lights will appear?
There are several sites that track northern lights.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction website shares information about the strength of solar storms, when they will reach Earth and where the northern lights may be visible, among other information.
Why do the northern lights have different colors?
The color of the aurora depends on which gas is being excited by the electrons and on how much energy is being exchanged, NASA said.
Oxygen emits either a greenish-yellow light (the most familiar color of the aurora) or a red light; nitrogen generally gives off a blue light. The oxygen and nitrogen molecules also emit ultraviolet light, which can only be detected by special cameras on satellites.
Where can you observe the northern lights in Michigan?
To enjoy best views of the aurora, consider a trip to one of northern Michigan’s dark sky areas. Here are a few places to check out:More: Not ready to rough it in the woods? Michigan has 2 of the best ‘glamping’ spots in the US
Can’t see the northern lights? Use your phone
If you’re having trouble seeing the northern lights with the naked eye, try using your phone camera in night mode and hold still while capturing the photo. You might be surprised at what’s dancing in the sky.
The Lansing State Journal contributed.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
Northern lights may be visible in these 20 US States May 31
Northern lights could dazzle the skies over 20 U.S. States tonight (May 31) as active geomagnetic conditions may push auroras farther south than usual. If G3 or even G4 storm levels are reached, auroras could be visible at high-latitude states, including Michigan and Maine. Alaska has the highest chance of seeing the northern lights tonight and over the weekend. But as we approach the summer solstice on June 20/21, the window of darkness for observing northern lights is shrinking. The early morning hours around 1 and 2 a.m. might be the best time to try and see the northern Lights. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center has a 3-day aurora forecast for June 1. The agency’s Kp index will peak at 4.67 over the Weekend.
Northern lights could dazzle the skies over 20 U.S. States tonight (May 31) as active geomagnetic conditions may push auroras farther south than usual, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Earth is currently being buffeted by high-speed solar wind, which is putting pressure on our planet’s magnetic field and fueling the storm — excellent news for anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of the northern lights.
Space weather forecasters are forecasting strong (G3) geomagnetic storm conditions with the possibility of severe (G4) conditions thanks to both elevated solar winds and an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME). Just days ago, a surprise G3 storm on May 28 triggered auroras in 17 U.S. States and even as far south as Italy. That G3 storm had originally been forecast to only reach G1 levels.
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center predicts that the Kp index will peak at 4.67 over the weekend. For an up-to-date breakdown of timings, check out NOAA’s 3-day forecast. (Kp is a measurement of geomagnetic activity, with an index that ranges from 0 to 9; higher Kp indicates stronger auroral activity.)
Aurora chasers, get your fingers crossed, your cameras charged and your eyes firmly fixed on the skies! You can also keep up with the latest forecasts and geomagnetic storm warnings with our aurora forecast live blog.
Where can I see the northern lights tonight?
Aurora forecast for June 1 according to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center. (Image credit: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center)
Alaska has the highest chance of seeing the northern lights tonight and over the weekend. If G3 or even G4 storm levels are reached, auroras could be visible at high-latitude states, including Michigan and Maine, according to NOAA.
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Below, we have listed all 20 states that appear either fully or in part above the possible view line for auroras according to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center. They are ordered most likely to least likely based on their proximity to the auroral oval’s center and how much of each state is within or near the view line.
But remember, auroras are fickle — sometimes they appear much farther south than predicted, and other times they barely show up at all. Many conditions have to align for the perfect display.
States that could see auroras tonight and over the weekend:
Alaska Montana North Dakota Minnesota Wisconsin Michigan South Dakota Vermont New Hampshire Maine Idaho Washington Oregon New York Massachusetts Nebraska Iowa Wyoming Illinois Connecticut
Northern Hemisphere aurora forecast courtesy of the Met Office
How can I see the northern lights from where I live?
If you find yourself in one of the states forecasted to have a chance of seeing the northern lights tonight or over the weekend, head to a north-facing vantage point as far away from light pollution as possible. But as we approach the summer solstice on June 20/21, the window of darkness for observing northern lights is shrinking; the early morning hours around 1 and 2 a.m. might be the best time to try and see the northern lights.
Interested in tracking space weather and knowing when and where to spot auroras? Download a space weather app that provides forecasts based on your location. One option I use is “My Aurora Forecast & Alerts,” available for both iOS and Android. However, any similar app should work well. I also use the “Space Weather Live” app, which is available on iOS and Android, to get a deeper understanding of whether the current space weather conditions are favorable for aurora sightings.