Latest Northern Lights Forecast: Aurora Borealis May Appear In These States Tonight
Some northern states may have an opportunity to view the northern lights Monday night, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast, before the aurora's projected view line recedes north into Canada later in the week.
Key Facts
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?The states with the best chance of viewing the aurora include much of Alaska, as well as the northern portions of Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota. Other states that fall along the aurora's projected view line include parts of Washington, Idaho, Wisconsin and Michigan, according to the NOAA forecast (see below).
What Is The Best Time To See The Northern Lights?The best time to catch the northern lights is when it is dark outside between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, according to NOAA . The agency recommends avoiding light pollution, traveling as far north as possible and finding a high vantage point.
How Can I Photograph The Northern Lights?The lights can be photographed with a smartphone and can be best captured without flash, a lower shutter speed and by using night mode, if using an iPhone.
Key BackgroundSolar activity is reaching a peak as NASA and NOAA say the sun is within its "solar maximum"—the most active part of its 11-year cycle, during which period the sun produces the most geomagnetic and solar storms. NASA says the solar maximum may continue over the next year. Solar storms observed in May were the strongest in two decades, NASA said, which produced possibly the strongest auroras observed in 500 years. Solar activity has exceeded scientists' predictions throughout the current solar cycle, which began in December 2019.
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