Skywatchers may be treated to a colorful display of the night sky in several states tonight and tomorrow.
Forecasters say that on Aug. 18 or Aug. 19 a fast-moving solar wind stream could cause a geomagnetic disturbance, which would light up the skies with Northern Lights in 15 U.S. States. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) Then, there is the U.K. Met Office.
The UK Met Office reported that “there is an increasing chance of minor geomagnetic augmentation due to a fast-moving wind arriving on Monday, with a Coronal Mass Ejection look Tuesday and Wednesday.”
Alaska has the best chance of seeing the northern light tonight. In order of likelihood, the following states have a chance to see auroras: Montana, North Dakota Minnesota, Wisconsin Michigan Maine South Dakota Vermont New Hampshire Idaho Washington New York Wyoming and Iowa
The NOAA predicts that conditions will likely increase late on 18 August to G1 (Minor) levels, followed by active levels on 19 August. NOAA’s website predicts that active conditions will be likely on 20 August. website. The aurora is expected to peak between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. from the night of Aug. 18 through the morning of Aug. 19, with the Kp index—which measures geomagnetic activity on a scale of 0 to 9—projected to reach Kp 5 tonight.
At the moment, a large coronal void, or an open region within the magnetic field of our sun, is facing Earth. A high-speed solar wind stream has been emitted toward Earth. This interaction increases the chances of geomagnetic events and auroral shows when this solar wind interacts Earth’s magnetic fields.
The aurora is often visible somewhere on Earth just after sunset and just before sunrise. The aurora does not appear during daylight. It is not necessary to have the aurora directly overhead. NOAA’s website explains.
If you are in a viewing zone, find a spot that faces north and has fewer light sources. There are several mobile apps which can track aurora predictions in real-time for the best chances of catching the show.
