Northern lights may be viewable in parts of Michigan. Where to see them
Residents in northern Michigan are within the aurora borealis viewline this weekend, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says, following a geomagnetic storm watch for areas in the Midwest.
The Space Weather Prediction Center classified the geomagnetic storm as G2, the second-lowest level on its scale that sorts intensity from G1 (least) to G5 (most).
"For many people, the aurora is a beautiful nighttime phenomenon that is worth traveling to arctic regions just to observe. It is the only way for most people to actually experience space weather," the NOAA website said in a report.
Here's what to know about the northern lights this weekend in Michigan, and where to see them:
According to NOAA, the lights could be visible as far south as Saginaw Bay Friday, June 13, and Saturday, June 14.
"Intervals of G1-G2 (Minor-Moderate) storming are expected through 15 June," NOAA said.
Solar activity this weekend will reach a Kp rating of 6.0 at about 5 p.m. June 13. The Kp could reach 4.67 at 11 p.m. June 14.
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are waves of light created when the solar wind strikes the atmosphere, creating a display of moving lights in the night sky.
More: Photos show northern lights lit up the sky in Michigan. See them here
If the weather is clear, the best aurora is usually visible within an hour or two of midnight, according to NOAA.
The agency maintains an aurora dashboard that should help skygazers track the phenomenon.
There are several sites that track northern lights.
NOAA's Space Weather Prediction website shares information about the strength of solar storms, when they will reach Earth and where the northern lights may be visible, among other information.
The color of the aurora depends on which gas is being excited by the electrons and on how much energy is being exchanged, NASA said.
Oxygen emits either a greenish-yellow light (the most familiar color of the aurora) or a red light; nitrogen generally gives off a blue light. The oxygen and nitrogen molecules also emit ultraviolet light, which can only be detected by special cameras on satellites.
To enjoy best views of the aurora, consider a trip to one of northern Michigan's dark sky areas. Here are a few places to check out:More: Not ready to rough it in the woods? Michigan has 2 of the best 'glamping' spots in the US
Keweenaw Dark Sky Park in Keweenaw County and Dr. T.K. Lawless Park in Cass County, international spots.
The Alpena area has three Dark Sky Preserves: Rockport State Recreation Area, Thompson's Harbor State Park and Negwegon State Park.
Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area, an international sanctuary.
In Munising, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
In Paradise, the Great Lakes Museum and Whitefish Point Light Station and Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
In Empire, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
In Mackinaw City, Headlands International Dark Sky Park.
If you're having trouble seeing the northern lights with the naked eye, try using your phone camera in night mode and hold still while capturing the photo. You might be surprised at what's dancing in the sky.
The Lansing State Journal contributed.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Northern lights over Michigan. When the aurora could be visible
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