Could you see the northern lights over RI, New England tonight? It's possible. See map
The northern lights may be visible over a large swath of New England tonight due to a large geomagnetic storm, possibly even dipping into northern Rhode Island.
"The G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm watch remains in effect for tonight, June 1st (EDT), as CME passage continues," the Space Weather Prediction Center said in a 2 p.m. alert on June 1. "There are indications that the coronal mass ejection (CME) passage is weakening, but the solar wind conditions remain elevated, therefore additional periods of G3-G4 (Strong-Severe) levels remain possible. However, we now anticipate that conditions should weaken enough by tomorrow evening, June 2nd (EDT), that G1 (Minor) storm levels is the most likely peak response."
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center prediction map is showing that all of New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont have a chance to see the spectacle tonight, including a large chunk of Massachusetts. The possible view line is just touching Rhode Island, meaning there's a chance that people will see them.
The question is, will the weather cooperate? AccuWeather is currently forecasting partly cloudy skies, so if the lights reach it's possible cloud cover will be a problem.
The sun is currently at solar maximum, according to NASA, the peak of activity in its natural cycle, which is creating more opportunities to see the northern lights.
Here's what to know.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) aurora forecast, the northern lights may reach to Rhode Island tonight, but only in the northern tip of the state. However, odds improve if people make a trip to Massachusetts where much of the state is firmly in the view line, and become even better in northern New England and New York.
The northern lights are typically most visible between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. according to NOAA.
"Best aurora is usually within an hour or two of midnight (between 10 PM and 2 AM local time)," the said. "These hours of active aurora expand towards evening and morning as the level of geomagnetic activity increases. There may be aurora in the evening and morning but it is usually not as active and therefore, not as visually appealing."
As always, dark skies make for better stargazing.
"We typically suggest getting away from cities and find a open field or hilltop to lay out under the stars and wait for the show to really peak at the late evening or early morning hours," Massachusetts Institute of Technology Technical Instructor and Observatory Manager Tim Brothers said in a past interview with Wicked Local.
He continued, "In New England, heading for a local conservation area or park that keeps lighting off at night is ideal. Another option is a coastline away from the larger cities — the benefit being that the constellation where you will see most of the 'shooting stars.'"
If you want a chance at seeing the Northern Lights, here are some websites you can monitor the sun's activity:
The Space Weather Prediction Center
Space.com
Aurora forecast page (NOAA)
Aurora Reach
Aurora Alerts
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Severe geomagnetic storm could bring northern lights to RI. See map
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