These 14 States Could See Aurora Borealis Tonight
- A minor geomagnetic storm is forecast to bring the aurora borealis-commonly known as the northern lights-to a wider range of northern U.S.
- The aurora borealis is a natural light display in the sky, predominantly seen in the high-latitude regions (around the Arctic and Antarctic).
- NOAA's space Weather Prediction Center issued a Kp index of 5 for tuesday night,May 14th,indicating a minor geomagnetic storm.
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Northern Lights Visibility Expected Across Northern US on Tuesday and Wednesday
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A minor geomagnetic storm is forecast to bring the aurora borealis-commonly known as the northern lights-to a wider range of northern U.S. states on the evenings of Tuesday,May 14th,and Wednesday,May 15th,2024. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Management (NOAA) predicts increased visibility, potentially reaching as far south as South Dakota and Nebraska.
What Causes the Northern Lights?
The aurora borealis 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 from the sun colliding with atoms and molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere. These collisions excite the atmospheric gases, causing them to emit light.According to the NOAA space Weather Prediction Center, the color of the aurora depends on the type of gas and the altitude of the collision; green is the most common color, produced by oxygen at lower altitudes.
Geomagnetic Storm and Viewing Forecast
NOAA’s space Weather Prediction Center issued a Kp index of 5 for tuesday night,May 14th,indicating a minor geomagnetic storm. The Kp index measures geomagnetic activity on a scale of 0 to 9, with higher numbers indicating more intense activity. A Kp of 5 suggests the aurora will be “quite pleasing to look at” for observers in favorable locations. The predicted viewing line extends across the country, nearly touching the border of South dakota and Nebraska, as reported by NBC News on May 14, 2024.
Wednesday night,may 15th,carries a Kp index of 4,with a slightly reduced viewing line. while less intense than Tuesday, Wednesday still offers a chance to witness the aurora.The Space.com notes that even with a lower Kp index, clear skies and minimal light pollution are crucial for optimal viewing.
Viewing Line and State-by-State Prospects
the further north observers are from the predicted viewing line, the stronger the aurora is expected to be. Here’s a general outlook:
| State | Tuesday, May 14th (Kp 5) | Wednesday, may 15th (Kp 4) |
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