Northern lights could glow over West Michigan Sunday night

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A strong geomagnetic storm could bring a dazzling display of the aurora borealis to our skies leading into early Monday morning.

The viewing line determined by NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center is pulled south of the state of Michigan with a growing chance the further north you travel. Storms will occur at the following times, according to the current forecast:

2 a.m. to 5 a.m.: G1 storm
5 a.m. to 8 a.m.: G3 storm (the higher the number, the greater the likelihood of visibility)
8 a.m. to 11 a.m.: G2 storm

Monday’s sunrise occurs at 7:22 a.m. and during the daytime hours, the aurora is not visible. Your best bet may be to set an early morning alarm and then try to get a peek.

You’ll have the greatest chance of seeing the northern lights by getting some distance from city lights and looking toward the northern horizon. You may not be able to get a view of the phenomenon with the naked eye, but using your phone and extending the exposure time may help to see them, at least through a screen.

Viewing conditions are expected to be in pretty good shape with comfortable temperatures and mostly clear skies. Getting a view of the northern lights is never a sure thing, but if you’ll be up late Sunday night or early Monday morning, it’s certainly worth taking a glance!

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