The “view line,” representing the furthest south where spectators might catch a glimpse of the northern lights, stretches across more than 24 states.
WASHINGTON — On Monday, nearly half of the United States may have the chance to witness the northern lights, provided the skies remain cloud-free.
The Space Weather Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) suggests that on January 19, the aurora could be visible from Washington state all the way to Maine, and possibly extending southward to Missouri.
The NOAA’s geomagnetic activity scale, known as the “Kp” index, predicts a level of eight out of nine for Monday night’s aurora, which is notably high. By Tuesday night, this is expected to decrease to a level four.
A significant G-4 geomagnetic storm watch has been put in place for Monday night into early Tuesday.
In a similar event last November, vibrant northern lights were witnessed across numerous states following a G4 geomagnetic storm alert. These G4-level alerts are uncommon, with NOAA noting only four such warnings have been issued during the current solar cycle.
Where will the northern lights be visible tonight?
Two dozen states may have a chance to view the celestial phenomenon Monday, Jan. 19, according to the NOAA’s forecast. The predicted “view line,” or the southernmost spot where skygazers might still be able to view the northern lights, also includes states as far down as Iowa.
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
What causes the northern lights?
In layman’s terms, the sun is constantly shooting out charged particles. But sometimes, it emits a particularly violent stream of energy known as solar wind, during solar flares or “coronal mass ejections.”
When these energetic solar winds hit the Earth’s atmosphere, they collide with the gases in the upper atmosphere and charge them. As that energy dissipates, it lets out light that we can see.
The different gases produce different colors, which is why an aurora borealis can shift from green and blue to red and purple.
How to see auroras
Northern lights forecasts can be found on NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or an aurora forecasting app.
Consider aurora-watching in a quiet, dark area away from city lights. NASA’s Kelly Korreck recommended skygazing from a local or national park. And check the weather forecast because clouds can cover up the spectacle entirely.
Taking a picture with a smartphone camera may also reveal hints of the aurora that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
The Associated Press and WBNS’s Aaron White contributed to this report.
Click here to check the forecast for your area from your trusted local weather team.
