The northern lights, also called aurora borealis, could be visible across parts of the United States this weekend thanks to solar activity. NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has forecast a Kp index of six on a scale of nine for Friday night. This suggests the auroras could move further south from the poles and appear “quite bright and active.”
The increased activity is linked to minor to “moderate” geomagnetic storms caused by coronal mass ejections, huge bursts of solar wind, from the sun earlier this week. High-speed winds from a cooler, less dense area on the sun’s surface are also expected to add to the display. NOAA says there may be more geomagnetic storms on Sunday, which could further boost auroral activity.
Where Will Northern Lights Be Visible?
People in Alaska and Canada have the highest chance of seeing the northern lights this weekend. In the continental US, states such as Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan have a fair chance of spotting the display. A lower, though still possible, chance exists for parts of Oregon, Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.
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NOAA recommends looking for the auroras between 10 pm and 2 am local time. For the best view, travelers should head as far north as possible and choose a high, north-facing location away from city lights to avoid light pollution.
How Can You Capture Northern Lights?
Photography experts have tips for taking clear photos of the northern lights. For smartphones, iPhone users should turn off the flash, use the standard lens in night mode, and shoot in RAW format if possible. Android users should enable Pro mode and adjust settings manually.
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For cameras, an aperture (F-stop) of four or less and focusing on the farthest possible setting is recommended. Using a tripod can help stabilize shots and prevent blurring.
