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Northern Lights Dazzle US Skies Monday Night
12 Oct
Summary
- Northern lights visible across Northern US Monday night.
- Unusual G3 storm activity due to solar eruptions on Oct 7-8.
- Visibility extends across northern US border states and Alaska.
The aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights, is predicted to be visible across various parts of the northern USA on Monday evening. This anticipated display is a result of heightened geomagnetic activity experienced on Saturday, stemming from a coronal mass ejection that impacted Earth on October 10. This event originated from solar eruptions occurring on October 7 and 8.
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre forecasts a Kp index of five out of nine for Monday night, suggesting an unusually active and bright aurora. While Monday is not expected to experience significant geomagnetic storming, mild G1 storm activity is possible early Tuesday morning according to NOAA.
States with prime viewing opportunities include northern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, most of Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Far northern areas of South Dakota and Wyoming may also catch a glimpse, with Alaska having a high probability of aurora occurrence. Experts advise traveling north, facing north, and avoiding nights with a full moon for the best viewing experience, ideally around midnight.
