Northern Lights Forecast: 15 States See Prime Viewing Conditions Thursday
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Aurora Borealis Visibility expected Across 15 U.S. States
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The Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, is forecast to be visible across a wider-than-usual swath of the United States on Thursday night into Friday morning, October 17-18, 2024. the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
predicts the lights could be seen as far south as Iowa.
The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are seen over the American flags in a cemetery in Wadsworth, Ohio on May 10, 2024. Aaron Josefczyk/UPI
States with the potential for aurora viewing include Alaska, and stretching eastward to as far south as Iowa, and encompassing parts of the Midwest and Northeast. The strongest display is expected Thursday night into Friday morning.
What Causes the Aurora Borealis?
The aurora is a natural light display in the sky, predominantly seen in the high-latitude regions (around the Arctic and Antarctic). It’s caused by charged particles, mainly electrons and protons, from the sun colliding with atoms and molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere. These collisions excite the atmospheric gases, causing them to emit light.
Recent solar storms are the driving force behind this increased aurora activity.These storms release a significant amount of charged particles into space, increasing the likelihood of auroral displays at lower latitudes.
Timeline and Viewing Tips
The peak viewing time is anticipated to be between 10 PM and 2 AM local time on Thursday night and into Friday morning, October 17-18, 2024.
- Location: Find a dark location away from city lights.
- Horizon: look towards the northern horizon.
- Patience: The aurora can be faint and fleeting, so be patient.
- Clear Skies: A clear, cloudless sky is essential for viewing.