Latest news with #MyAuroraForecast&Alerts
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Northern lights may be visible in these 18 US states tonight and over the weekend
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The northern lights could put on a show tonight and through the weekend as ongoing geomagnetic storm conditions driven by turbulent space weather may push aurora farther south than usual. Earth is currently reverberating from a solar storm impact that occurred overnight on June 12-13, during which moderate G2 geomagnetic storm levels were reached. A co-rotating interaction region (CIR) — a turbulent region in the solar wind in which fast-moving streams collide with slower wind ahead of them — is also on the way, with the effects expected around June 14. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a moderate (G2) geomagnetic storm watch for June 14 due to the incoming solar wind from a large Earth-facing coronal hole. The U.K. Met Office echoes this forecast, predicting moderate (G2) geomagnetic storms on June 13-14, with activity expected to decline to unsettled levels by June 15-16. A G2 storm can shift the aurora oval — the ring-shaped zone where auroras typically form — farther south, allowing skywatchers across parts of the northern U.S. a chance to catch a glimpse of the elusive lights, weather and dark skies permitting. Geomagnetic storms are ranked using a G-scale, which ranges from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). Below, we have listed 18 states that appear either fully or in part above the possible view line for auroras tonight, according to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. They're ordered from most likely to least likely based on their proximity to the center of the auroral oval and how much of each state is within or near the view line. Keep in mind, auroras are fickle. Sometimes they show up much farther south than expected and other times they don't appear at all. Many conditions have to align for the perfect display. Alaska Montana North Dakota Minnesota Wisconsin Michigan South Dakota Maine Vermont New Hampshire Idaho Washington Oregon New York Massachusetts Connecticut Rhode Island Wyoming Viewing conditions also depend on more than just geomagnetic activity. Cloud cover, light pollution, and the brief summer night can all affect visibility. If you find yourself in one of the 18 states listed above (or simply want to try your luck) head to a dark, north-facing spot away from city lights. As we approach the summer solstice on June 20/21, nights are growing shorter, so your best window for viewing may be in the early morning hours, around 1 to 2 a.m. 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. Editor's note: If you snap a great picture of the northern or southern lights and would like to share it with readers, send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Northern lights may be visible from these 13 US States tonight
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Though geomagnetic activity is beginning to wane, the northern lights could still put on a show tonight (June 3). Earth is still reverberating from not one but two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that hit in the early hours of June 1 and late June 2, wreaking havoc on our magnetic field and triggering incredible auroras around the world. Space weather forecasters from the U.K. Met Office predict there is still a slight chance of further strong (G3) geomagnetic storms, with minor (G1) and moderate (G2) intervals expected. The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center predicts that the Kp index will peak at 4.67 over the next 24 hours. 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.) You can also keep up with the latest forecasts and geomagnetic storm warnings with our aurora forecast live blog. In the U.S., Alaska has the highest chance of seeing the northern lights tonight. If predicted G3 storms are reached, auroras could be visible down to Illinois and Oregon, according to NOAA, though the chance for more G3 storms is slim. Below we have listed all 13 states that appear either fully or in part above the possible view line for auroras tonight, according to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. They are ordered most likely to least likely based on their proximity to the center of the auroral oval and how much of each state is within or near the view line. Remember, auroras can be fickle. Sometimes they can appear much farther south than predicted, and other times they barely show up at all. There are many conditions that have to align for the perfect show. It is possible that many more states could witness auroras tonight, or perhaps far fewer will. Alaska Minnesota North Dakota Montana Wisconsin Michigan (Upper Peninsula) South Dakota Maine Vermont New Hampshire Idaho Washington Oregon If you live in one of the 13 states forecasted to have a chance of seeing the northern lights tonight, head to a north-facing vantage point as far away from light pollution as possible! The best time to look for auroras will be about 1 a.m. local time, as our window of darkness for observing the northern lights shrinks during summer months. Use your mobile phone to scan the skies, as the camera is great at picking up faint auroras before your eyes spot them. This can help you pinpoint where in the sky you should be focusing your attention. But remember to keep an eye out elsewhere too as auroras can pop up in front, behind or even above you! Happy aurora hunting. If you want to make sure you're all clued up on when to look for 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.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Northern lights may be visible in these 23 US States tonight
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Northern lights could put on an impressive show tonight (June 1) as ongoing geomagnetic storm conditions may push auroras farther south than usual, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Earth is currently reverberating from a speedy coronal mass ejection (CME) impact that struck in the early hours of June 1, wreaking havoc on our planet's magnetic field — great news for anyone hoping to see the northern lights. Space weather forecasters from the U.K. Met Office predict frequent G1 to G2 level storming and occasional G3 and even G4 level storm intervals possible June 1-2. Read more: Aurora alert: Ongoing powerful geomagnetic storm could spark more northern lights across the US tonight The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center predicts that the Kp index will peak at 7.67 over the next 24 hours. 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 those cameras charged, fingers crossed 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. Alaska has the highest chance of seeing the northern lights tonight. If G3 or even G4 storm levels are reached, auroras could be visible at high-latitude states, including Michigan and Maine, according to NOAA. Below, we have listed all 23 states that appear either fully or in part above the possible view line for auroras tonight 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. Alaska Montana North Dakota Minnesota Wisconsin Michigan South Dakota Vermont New Hampshire Maine Idaho Washington Oregon New York Massachusetts Connecticut Rhode Island Nebraska Iowa Wyoming Illinois Indianna Pennsylvania If you find yourself in one of the 23 states forecasted to have a chance of seeing the northern lights tonight, 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. Editor's note: If you snap a great picture of the northern or southern lights and would like to share it with readers, send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Sun unleashes powerful M5.6 solar flare and Earth is in the firing line — are auroras incoming?
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The sun has once again unleashed a powerful solar flare, continuing its streak of intense activity. On April 1, at 2:46 a.m. EDT (0646 GMT), an M5.6-class flare erupted from sunspot region AR4046 — the same region responsible for last week's X-class flare and massive coronal mass ejection (CME). Unlike the previous event, this latest eruption could have a greater impact on Earth, as AR4046 has now moved into the "Earth strike zone," meaning any CME it produces in the coming days has a much higher chance of hitting our planet. If this flare is accompanied by a CME, it could set the stage for heightened geomagnetic activity, potentially triggering geomagnetic storms and dazzling northern lights at high and even mid-latitudes. Forecasters are currently awaiting coronagraph data to confirm whether a CME was launched alongside this event. Meanwhile, AR4046 isn't the only sunspot region drawing attention. AR4048, a still-emerging sunspot that has yet to fully rotate to face Earth, has been crackling with activity, consistently firing off solar flares. Space weather forecasters are closely monitoring this region, as it could become another significant source of space weather disruptions in the coming days. The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center is placing the chances of an X-class flare — the most powerful category of solar flares — at 25% over the next three days. If such an eruption occurs and is accompanied by a CME, Earth could experience strong geomagnetic storms, which may lead to disruptions in radio communications, satellite operations, and GPS systems, but also enhance the chances of breathtaking auroras. If you're 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.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Aurora alert! Moderate geomagnetic storm could spark northern lights as far south as New York and Idaho tonight (March 25)
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a geomagnetic storm warning for tonight (March 25) due to incoming turbulent solar weather. This is exciting news for aurora enthusiasts, as the expected G2-level storm could bring northern lights as far south as New York and Idaho. NOAA's SWPC forecasts the Kp index to peak at 5.67 over the next 24 hours, signaling strong geomagnetic activity. For the latest aurora forecast and timing updates, check NOAA's 3-day space weather outlook. The predicted increase in geomagnetic activity is driven by a co-rotating interaction region (CIR) — a turbulent area in the solar wind where fast-moving streams collide with slower wind ahead of them. CIRs can generate shock waves similar to those found in coronal mass ejections (CMEs), enhancing space weather effects. This particular CIR is fueled by a massive Earth-facing coronal hole in the sun's atmosphere. Coronal holes are regions where the sun's magnetic field opens up, allowing high-speed solar wind to escape freely into space. In ultraviolet images, these areas appear darker because they lack the hot, glowing gases typically trapped by magnetic fields, according to In more great news for aurora enthusiasts, this surge in geomagnetic activity comes at the perfect time. That's because Earth is currently in an ideal position for dazzling auroras, thanks to its proximity to the vernal equinox, which occurred on March 20. Auroras tend to be stronger around the equinoxes due to a phenomenon known as the Russell-McPherron effect. During this period, Earth's magnetic field can develop temporary "cracks," allowing even weak solar wind to penetrate and spark brilliant displays. Unlike other times of the year when Earth is tilted toward or away from the sun, the equinox brings a more neutral alignment. This allows the solar wind's magnetic field to interact more efficiently with Earth's, channeling energy into the atmosphere and enhancing auroral activity. We could be in for a spectacular show tonight, so keep your eyes on the skies! To stay updated on aurora activity, consider using a space weather app that provides real-time forecasts based on your location. A great option is "My Aurora Forecast & Alerts" (available for iOS and Android). For a deeper dive into space weather conditions, "Space Weather Live" is another excellent choice (available for iOS and Android)
