Incoming! A “speedy coronal mass ejection” (CME) is headed for Earth, and if it gives us as much light as predicted, we could be there. the northern lights show tonight.
Geomagnetic activity is expected to improve today due to the arrival of the CME which left the sun during X.1.4 solar flares In the early hours of March 30. It is currently hurtling towards Earth at approx 1118 miles per second (1900 km/s) and although it is not predicted that it will hit us in the head, it is a blink of an eye. it can wake up minor to moderate (G1 to G2) geomagnetic storm conditions overnight. The power levels of the G3 are also on the table.
Where can I see the northern lights tonight?
Countries that could see auroras tonight
Based on The latest NOAA aurora forecast mapThe following 16 US states appear fully or partially above the line of sight of the aurora:
- Alaska
- North Dakota
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Wisconsin
- South Dakota
- Idaho
- Michigan
- Maine
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Washington
- Oregon
- Iowa
- New York
- Wyoming
But remember, the northern lights can be very difficult to predict. The list is based on current forecast data at the time of publication. If conditions intensify when the CME hits, the northern lights may reach further south than previously predicted. Likewise, if the conditions are not met, the program may fail altogether.
Northern hemisphere aurora forecasts are accepted by the UK Met Office
What is the best time to see the northern lights tonight?
If the sky is clear, I recommend heading out as soon as it gets dark enough, as geomagnetic activity is expected to peak before dusk and stay overnight. As it stands, the current times favor northern European observers, but if the CME arrives late, the times may shift to the northern states of America and Canada.
To follow the latest NOAA forecast, activity is expected to peak in moderate storm conditions (G2) tonight and gradually ease to minor conditions (G1) on April 1st. Geomagnetic activity is rated on a scale from G1 to G5 depending on how strong the disturbance is Earth’s gravity i.
|
EDT |
GMT |
The event |
|---|---|---|
|
11:00 am – 5 pm |
1500-2100 |
A moderate (G2) geomagnetic storm is possible |
|
5pm – 2am (April 1) |
2100-0600 (April 1) |
A small (G1) geomagnetic storm is possible |
How to see the northern lights tonight
If you’re in one of the 16 US states where auroras can occur, a little planning can go a long way in improving your chances of catching the show.
- Head to a dark area with a clear, unobstructed view of the north. The farther you get from the city lights, the better off you will be.
- Once you’ve set up, use your phone to scan the sky for dim light. The first batch of faint auroras are better captured by your phone’s camera than your eyes.
- Give your eyes time to adjust to the dark, at least 20-30 minutes if possible.
- Dress warmly and be patient. Auroras can be unpredictable and explode for a second before disappearing as quickly as they appeared.
To stay up-to-date with the latest aurora forecasts based on your location, download the local weather app.
One option I use is “My Aurora Forecast & Alerts,” both of which are available iOS and Android. However, any similar device should work fine. I also use the “Space Weather Live” app, ie available on iOS and Androidto get a deeper understanding of what the current the climate conditions are ideal for seeing the aurora.
Want to take the perfect photo of the northern lights? Ours how to take auroras direction it can help. If you want to improve your equipment to take the best astrophotos, we have collected them the best astrophotography cameras.
Message: If you take a photo of the northern or southern lights and would like to share it with Space.com readers, send your photos, comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com.
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