A Strong Geomagnetic Storm to Make Northern Lights Visible Across 18 States Tonight
Tuesday evening is expected to bring a strong geomagnetic storm that could make the northern lights visible across 18 states, one day after a powerful solar coronal mass ejection. According to NOAA's predictions, a high Kp index of 6 on Tuesday will be followed by a minor storm on Wednesday.
The good news for aurora enthusiasts is that this storm is expected to stretch the lights further from the poles, making them visible in states as far south as Washington, Michigan, and New Hampshire. Those living in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Idaho, Wyoming, northern Illinois, Nebraska, and northeastern Oregon may also have a chance to catch a glimpse of the spectacular display.
To increase your chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon, it's essential to get as far away from light pollution as possible and find the highest vantage point. Facing north and viewing between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time will also improve your visibility. When photographing the northern lights, turning off flash and enabling night mode on your smartphone can help capture stunning images.
It's worth noting that this increased activity is due to the sun's surface reaching its "solar maximum" in October 2024, making the northern lights more visible than usual. However, as the sun approaches its 11-year cycle's "solar minimum" around 2031 and 2032, solar events are expected to decrease.
This phenomenon will also be accompanied by other astronomical events this year, including a "planetary parade" in late February, where Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter will appear in the night sky, and a total lunar eclipse visible in North America in March.
Tuesday evening is expected to bring a strong geomagnetic storm that could make the northern lights visible across 18 states, one day after a powerful solar coronal mass ejection. According to NOAA's predictions, a high Kp index of 6 on Tuesday will be followed by a minor storm on Wednesday.
The good news for aurora enthusiasts is that this storm is expected to stretch the lights further from the poles, making them visible in states as far south as Washington, Michigan, and New Hampshire. Those living in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Idaho, Wyoming, northern Illinois, Nebraska, and northeastern Oregon may also have a chance to catch a glimpse of the spectacular display.
To increase your chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon, it's essential to get as far away from light pollution as possible and find the highest vantage point. Facing north and viewing between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time will also improve your visibility. When photographing the northern lights, turning off flash and enabling night mode on your smartphone can help capture stunning images.
It's worth noting that this increased activity is due to the sun's surface reaching its "solar maximum" in October 2024, making the northern lights more visible than usual. However, as the sun approaches its 11-year cycle's "solar minimum" around 2031 and 2032, solar events are expected to decrease.
This phenomenon will also be accompanied by other astronomical events this year, including a "planetary parade" in late February, where Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter will appear in the night sky, and a total lunar eclipse visible in North America in March.
anyone have any tips on where to spot the best views in michigan or washington state? also, does anyone know if the northern lights will be visible in chicago? that would be insane! 
oh man, northern lights are gonna be lit tonight! 
i've always wanted to see this in person and now i might finally get my chance 
18 states? that's amazing! anyone got tips on the best spot to watch it? gotta get away from city lights and find a clear view of the sky 
?! supposed to make northern lights visible across 18 states! thats so sick!! i've been wishin for this 4eva 
what's the best way 2 spot these lights tho? u gotta get away frm light pollution & find a sick view 
Living in states that aren't too far north, I've only seen them a handful of times, but I know some friends who are super lucky to be in Alaska or Canada 
. They'll get to witness this epic show! 
. Some ppl are saying the sun's solar max in Oct '24 is gonna bring more northern lights than usual 
. Can't wait for this astronomical parade in Feb and lunar eclipse in March! 
️
also, why are they saying it'll only be visible from midnight to 2am if we can just stay up that late and enjoy the show? 
source pls?
To increase your chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon, get as far away from light pollution as possible and find the highest vantage point. Also, don't forget to turn off that flash on your smartphone and enable night mode, 'cause you want those stunning photos, right? 
.
i'm literally shaking with excitement lol. been waiting for this storm for weeks now and it's finally gonna happen. just gotta get to a spot with zero light pollution and north-facing view and i'll be golden 
gotta make sure you get away from those city lights so you can really appreciate this natural wonder 
having that far north view spot is a game changer, trust me I've tried it before 
can't wait to grab my camera and capture some sick pics