NEED TO KNOW
- On Aug. 26, fast solar winds from a coronal hole could give the northern lights a slight boost, though activity is expected to remain strongest at high latitudes.
- NOAA forecasts “unsettled to active geomagnetic conditions,” meaning aurora sightings are most likely in northern U.S. states.
- While this isn’t a major storm, short bursts of aurora activity are possible through mid-week, with a KP index projected to peak near 3.67.
The cosmos is stirring up a little mischief tonight!
On Aug. 26, fast-moving solar winds from a coronal hole are expected to brush past Earth, giving the northern lights yet another boost.
The northern lights result from geomagnetic storms when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. Their visibility depends on a number of factors, including intensity and location.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center expects Earth’s magnetic field to be in “unsettled to active” territory as it’s buffeted by these high-speed solar winds.
Translation? Although we are not necessarily referring to a major geomagnetic storm, dazzling bursts of color in the sky are still a possibility, if weather conditions permit.
Forecasters at the SWPC expect the Kp index to peak at 3.67 over the next 24 hours. But for a breakdown of timings, be sure to check out NOAA’s 3-day forecast.
Read on for how to catch another round of northern lights tonight.
When will the northern lights be visible?
According to NOAA, forecasters predict a Kp index of three — on a scale between zero and nine — for Tuesday, Aug. 26. The glow-up won’t last forever, though, as elevated solar winds are likely to linger through midweek before fading out.
It’s important to note that the northern lights aren’t visible during daylight hours, as they are best viewed in the hours just after sunset and moments before sunrise.
Where will the northern lights be visible?
If the weather permits, the parts of U.S. states that could potentially catch a glimpse of auroral activity include Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.
Even with the forecast in your favor, the northern lights are never guaranteed. Their visibility is wildly unpredictable, so witnessing their dazzling displays more often comes down to luck.
How to watch the northern lights?
Did you know that watching the northern lights doesn’t require special equipment? Auroras are visible to the naked eye, painting the skies in vibrant colors for anyone who takes the time to look up.
Still, it’s important to make sure you’re as far away from the city as possible. Light pollution and weather conditions matter more than you think, so be sure to head out on a clear night if you’re hoping for a good view.
How to take photos of the northern lights?
Catching the northern lights on camera doesn’t require fancy gear or pro-level skills. In fact, your smartphone is already up for the challenge!
All you have to do is go to settings, turn on Night Mode and point your camera lens towards the sky.
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