Geomagnetic storming could spark northern lights this weekend: What to know
(NEXSTAR) — Some in the U.S. could have another chance to see the northern lights this weekend thanks to a coronal hole and accompanying solar winds that may impact Earth.
NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a geomagnetic storm watch for Saturday because of the coronal hole, or CH. These are areas on the sun that are cooler and less dense regions of open and unipolar magnetic fields, NOAA explains. Their openness allows solar wind to escape at higher speeds, known as High Speed Streams, or HSS.
A CH HSS can spark geomagnetic storms on Earth, according to NOAA, though not typically as strong as those brought on by coronal mass ejections, like we saw earlier this month.
The CH HSS could still pack a punch to our atmosphere, however. While there could be some infrastructure-related impacts, experts say those in charge of those systems are equipped to mitigate influences.
For those of us not responsible for power systems and navigational products, we may get to enjoy a more colorful outcome of geomagnetic storms: the northern lights.
The SWPC has issued a G2-level watch starting on Saturday. At that level, which is not uncommon, the northern lights have been known to be visible in parts of the Midwest, Idaho, and New York.
It's difficult to say exactly where the aurora could be visible on Saturday, however. The SWPC offers two days worth of aurora viewing forecasts — for the present day and the next — as well as a three-day forecast.
As of Thursday, the Kp index, used to measure the magnitude of geomagnetic storms, is expected to strengthen later in the day on Saturday, starting between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. UTC, or between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. EDT. That means the morning sun will drown out the northern lights, if they're even visible at that time.
However, the SWPC's forecast shows conditions could ramp up through the day, potentially reaching a Kp index of 5.67, considered G2-strength storming, at around 5 p.m. EDT. Should geomagnetic storming remain on the stronger side for the following hours, you could see the northern lights Saturday night.
The aurora forecasts produced Friday and Saturday should offer a better insight into where in the U.S. the aurora could be visible.
The aurora forecast produced by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, which uses data from NOAA but is often based on long-term predictions, shows Canada has a greater chance of seeing the northern lights on Saturday. The celestial show could, however, be visible to those in all or parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Forecasts from the SWPC and the Institute could change before Saturday, depending on a multitude of conditions. Experts previously told Nexstar its difficult to forecast geomagnetic storming conditions until the material causing it — in this case, a CH HSS — is closer to Earth.
If you live in an area where the aurora is forecast to reach, but you're unable to see the colors in the night sky, try using your phone to catch a glimpse.
Since the cameras on our smartphones are more sensitive than our eyes, they can better pick up on the celestial show during weaker conditions.
It's recommended to use your phone camera's night mode, if available, or another method of extending the camera's exposure. You'll also want to keep your hands as steady as possible, which may mean relying on a tripod.
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