If you have clear skies tonight, it might be worth stepping outside and looking north. A strong to severe geomagnetic storm is expected to roll through on June 4 and into June 5, and with it comes a real shot at seeing the northern lights from parts of the United States, according to a People report citing NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.
The display is being driven by multiple coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, barreling toward Earth. CMEs are large bursts of solar material and magnetic energy that the sun releases, often after solar flares. When they hit Earth’s magnetic field, they trigger the kind of geomagnetic disturbance that produces auroras, sometimes pushing them far beyond their usual polar boundaries.
NOAA has said it expects geomagnetic conditions to hit G3 levels, classed as a strong storm, from mid to late June 4 and continuing into June 5.
When To Look Up
The prime window for aurora activity runs from Thursday night into the early hours of Friday. Activity is forecast to build through the afternoon and evening, with G2 to G3 storm levels possible before conditions carry over into Friday.
One thing to keep in mind: the northern lights can be unpredictable, and the strongest activity may kick in before full darkness settles in some parts of the country. After midnight, a waning gibbous moon will rise and brighten the sky, which could wash out fainter auroras, so earlier in the night is the better bet.
Where Will the Lights Be Visible From?
Canada and the northern tier of the US have the best odds. A jump to G4 conditions could push visibility even further south, particularly from dark locations with an unobstructed view of the northern horizon.
States with the strongest chances include Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York and Maine.
Depending on how the storm develops, auroras could also be spotted in Oregon, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont and New Hampshire.
How To Get the Best View
Get away from city lights as much as possible. Dark skies give you the best shot at catching even a faint display. Find a spot with a wide, clear view of the northern horizon and give your eyes a few minutes to adjust before scanning the sky.
