Good news for those in northern states! You might get a chance to see the stunning northern lights this Wednesday night. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expects a mild light show, with a Kp index of three on a scale of nine. This means if you’re in the right spot, it could be a beautiful sight.
But what causes these mesmerizing lights? The aurora borealis happens when geomagnetic activity sends ions crashing into Earth’s atmosphere, creating colorful displays. Interestingly, the predictions for the coming days show that Thursday night might offer an even better chance to see them, with a Kp index of four. More states will get a view!
So, where should you look? The lights will likely be visible in Alaska and Canada. In the U.S., watch for them in northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, parts of Montana, as well as North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the northern tip of Michigan.
If you’re eager to see the northern lights, here’s a tip: go somewhere dark with an unobstructed view of the north. The best time to catch the lights is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Avoid city lights to see the colors shine brighter.
For those wanting to capture this stunning phenomenon on camera, using the night mode setting and a slower shutter speed can help. This gives you a better chance of catching the movement and colors of the aurora.
The northern lights have become more common in the U.S. lately due to active solar behavior. According to NASA, we are currently near a “solar maximum,” which happens every 11 years. This means we can expect increased geomagnetic activity. For instance, in March, the Kp index reached 6.67, enabling many states to view the aurora.
In recent social media trends, many people have shared their breathtaking photos and experiences of the northern lights, showing just how captivating this celestial show can be. If you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.
For more on aurora forecasts and tips for viewing them, check out NOAA’s [aurora dashboard](https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/communities/aurora-dashboard-experimental).
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