See which states may see the Aurora Borealis tonight and into this week
Good news for skywatchers: The Auroras are coming back!
For those in the northern states, the Aurora Borealis, or northern lights, are likely to appear this week, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center.
NOAA tracks auroras using the Kp-index, a global auroral activity. The index's 0-9 scale measures fluctuations in the Earth's magnetic field in specific geographic locations. It predicts minor to moderate geomagnetic storms on the sun's surface, which can cause a disturbance in the Earth's atmosphere.
NOAA forecasts several states in the northern U.S. will have the best views. If the weather is clear, many in northern states should be able to see the northern lights. Among the states, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center: Alaska, Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
States that may see the auroras this week
Unable to view our graphics? Click here to see them.
More: Multiple states could see northern lights this week. See map.
The Kp index, which measures activity in Earth's magnetic field, is expected to peak at 5 during the week, according to the NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. View NOAA's 3-day forecast for the most recent timing breakdown.
NOAA's Space Weather Prediction forecast
Earth's magnetic field acts as a barrier
We're protected from the solar winds by the invisible barrier created by the Earth's magnetic field. Stronger solar winds have the ability to disturb the magnetic field. Vivid auroras are produced when gases from the planet's magnetic field contact the storm's particle stream.
Though uncommon, the display can be visible over Europe and the United States during large auroral events. According to the University of Alaska, during a major event in 1958, the aurora could be seen from Mexico City.
CONTRIBUTING Jim Sergent
SOURCE NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center, EarthSky.com and USA TODAY research
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