The cosmically cool northern lights could illuminate the sky from New Mexico to Idaho in a spectacular light show this evening. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center, these dazzling sashes of light, also called aurora borealis, could be visible in states like North Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.
Typically the northern lights are only visible at extremely northern latitudes (thus the name) like in Canada, Scandinavia and Alaska. It’s more unusual for them show up in midwestern states.
The northern lights are formed when electrons from space collide with the atoms and molecules on the magnetic pole of Earth. “I like to think of the northern lights as a visible expression of something we otherwise wouldn't be able to see, which is the invisible interaction between the sun and the earth," says Tom Kerss , chief Aurora Chaser at Hurtigruten the Norwegian cruise line and author of Northern Lights: The Definitive Guide to Auroras .
Tina Hanley , chief Commercial Officer of Ravn Alaska says that the northern lights form when charged particles emitted by the sun, known as solar wind, interact with the Earth's magnetic field. “These particles collide with gases like oxygen and nitrogen in the earth's atmosphere, exciting them and causing them to emit light,” says Hanley. “This process takes place primarily near the polar regions, where the magnetic field is strongest.” So the occurrence tonight is particularly rare.
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Hanley and her team have researched extensively about the best places and times to view the northern lights, especially since Ravn Alaska has been facilitating northern lights viewing experiences for years.
The last epic geomagnetic storm that caused this kind of light spectacular was back in May. Kerss saw visible auroras in Florida, not too far north of the tropics. “I never expected to see that in my lifetime,” he said.
So aurora chasers get ready! While this geomagnetic storm isn’t going to be as monumental, as of press time, it is expected to bring some aurora action in the northern United States. (But that could always change.)
“It may allow potentially millions of onlookers to catch a glimpse of this spellbinding phenomenon. Aurora-hunters in states like Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan should be on high alert!,” says Kerss. “We’re currently approaching the peak of the periodic solar cycle, where we expect aurora activity to reach its maximum frequency and power for the next decade, but that doesn't mean storms like this are guaranteed, so I recommend taking every opportunity.”
Here’s what you should know about the northern lights and how to view them?
What are the northern lights?
The northern lights are a natural light show that produces a rainbow of colors dancing in the earth’s sky. “The stunning natural light displays illuminate the night sky with vibrant colors such as green, pink, purple, and blue,” says Hanley.
Kerss said, "In the simplest terms, the northern lights are a mesmerizing, truly unique natural wonder, taking the form of a light show that forms in the upper atmosphere as high-energy particles interact with gases above us. The northern lights reach unusual levels of brightness and beauty as a result of adverse space weather.”
What is the best way to see the northern lights?
Kerss suggests that people find a patch of good dark sky after sunset and set up for at least a few hours of viewing. “The hours between 10pm and 2am local time can be particularly favorable, as the sky reaches its darkest,” says Kerss. “The moon is very bright at the moment, which will reduce the visibility somewhat. But the key to sighting auroras is patience and perseverance, so don't lose heart if there's nothing happening when you head out. Enjoy the majesty of the sky."
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Where can you see the northern lights in the most ideal conditions?
The best way to see the northern lights is to be in a location with minimal light pollution, like in rural Alaska. “It's also important to have a clear night sky with little to no cloud cover,” says Hanley.
How long are the northern lights expected to last?
If a moderate geomagnetic storm erupts, it's possible to see auroras all night. “But not all displays are equally bright,” says Kerss. "Impressive, discrete auroras—the dancing curtains we bring to mind—occur during substorms, and may last only a few minutes or up to an hour.”
What are the best conditions to see the northern lights?
Auroras are best seen in dark and clear skies, and are truly astonishing when they come right overhead. This is extremely rare outside of arctic climes, but happens often in places like Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Greenland, Canada and Alaska.
What is the best direction to look for the northern lights?
“The clue is in the name,” says Kerss. “The northern lights are usually seen in the north, and this is much more so the case when viewed from the US during a geomagnetic storm. Keep the moon behind you, and watch the skies above the northern horizon!”
What is a rare severe geomagnetic storm?
Geomagnetic storms occur when the sun releases a large eruption of material from its atmosphere which happens to graze or impact the earth's magnetic field. “The inbound eruption carries strong magnetic components, which significantly unsettle the earth's magnetic field, and greatly increase the likelihood that bright, sustained aurora displays will occur,” says Kerss. "As the field is charged with more energy to disperse, the auroral ovals expand bringing the northern lights to southerly latitudes where they aren't normally sighted. A severe geomagnetic storm can bring visible auroras to a remarkable range of latitudes.”
What is the best way to photograph the northern lights?
Don’t discredit your Smartphone! They can capture vibrant images of the northern lights. Kerss advises that you hold your phone dead still and let the night mode activate. “If you have a tripod handy, even better!,” he says. “You can use moonlight to illuminate your landscape for an even more balanced shot.”
But whatever you do he advises that you don’t get obsessed with trying to get the perfect shot and miss the moment live. “Take some time to enjoy the display with your own eyes,” says Kerss. “It won't seem as colorful or bright, but it's real. You can't share the pictures you make in your head, but you can feel them, and that makes them absolutely priceless.”
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