Latest news with #northernlights
Forbes
3 days ago
- Science
- Forbes
Northern Lights Could Be Visible From These 8 States Sunday Night
The northern lights have a moderate chance to appear for viewers in the northern United States on Sunday night, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted, coinciding with meteor showers potentially visible in the summer night skies. The aurora visible over Fairbanks, Alaska in March. Anadolu via Getty Images Forecasters at NOAA issued a Kp index of three out of nine for Sunday night, meaning the aurora could become 'brighter' with 'more auroral activity (motion and formations).' The aurora was likely much more active Saturday night due to the presence of a geomagnetic storm, NOAA said, but several states in the Upper Midwest and Alaska could still see auroral activity on Sunday night. Meanwhile, the Piscis Austrinid meteor shower is expected to peak in the early morning hours of Monday morning. NOAA's viewing line for Sunday night. NOAA Much of the Upper Midwest is within Sunday night's viewing range, including North Dakota, parts of Montana, northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Alaska has the potential for northern lights Sunday, as well. Small slivers of northeastern Washington and northern Idaho are also within the viewing range, according to NOAA. Between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., according to NOAA. The aurora is brightest and most active during the hours around midnight, according to forecasters. Viewers hoping to catch a glimpse of the northern lights should try to move toward the magnetic north pole and away from cities and other sources of light pollution. What Else Could I See Tonight? The aurora borealis coincides with several major meteor showers actively taking place in the summer skies, including the annual Perseid meteor shower that began on July 17, although that shower is not expected to peak until August. Stargazers could also catch a glimpse of the Piscis Austrinid meteor shower, which will peak overnight, or the Southern Delta Aquariids, which will peak Tuesday.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Michigan among states that could glimpse northern lights. See map
Much of Michigan could see the northern lights on July 26, according to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) forecast. The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, may be visible in as many as 14 northern states tonight, according to NOAA's SWPC dashboard. According to NOAA, "view lines" Michiganders as far south as Grand Rapids, Lansing and Port Huron may be able to catch a glimpse of the shimmering lights in the night sky to the north. The lights could be overhead for people in parts of the Upper Peninsula. NOAA says a G1 geomagnetic storm, a worldwide disturbance of the Earth's magnetic field, is expected to produce a Kp rating of 5. Kp is an index used to indicate the severity of the global magnetic disturbances in near-Earth space, NOAA said. Kp ratings increase from zero to 9+. NOAA is predicting moderate and minor geomagnetic storm impacts. Some high latitude electrical systems could suffer damage, radios could be affected among other issues. When could the northern lights be visible? The northern lights could be visible in Michigan Saturday, July 26, according to SPWC. What are the northern lights? 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. Which states could see the northern lights? The NOAA says the red "view line" marks the southernmost extent where aurora might be seen on the northern horizon. While more than a dozen states have a chance to see the northern lights on July 26, Alaska has the greatest chance to see the spectacle, followed by parts of the following states: Idaho Michigan Washington Montana Wyoming North Dakota South Dakota Minnesota Wisconsin New York Vermont New Hampshire Maine Why do the northern lights have different colors? 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. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Northern lights forecast: Michigan, other states could see aurora borealis July 26 Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
Overnight Ports Are Becoming More Popular On Cruises
Cruise lines often choose to overnight in Northern Norway to help increase the odds guests will see the northern lights. David Nikel Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) recently unveiled its spring and summer 2027 deployment, a sprawling schedule of more than 500 voyages across its fleet of 20 ships. One standout feature? Over 170 overnight port calls in key destinations around the world. That figure reflects a growing shift in cruise travel. Rather than racing between ports on a tightly packed itinerary, more lines are now carving out longer stays in places like Istanbul, Bermuda and Northern Norway. Whether a full overnight port call or a late departure, such timings allow for deeper, more relaxed exploration on a concept previously reserved for world cruises. In an industry that's often accused of favoring quantity over quality, that extra time ashore makes a real difference. Staying overnight in port opens up new possibilities for cruise travelers. You're no longer watching the clock to make it back before the final boarding call. Instead, you can enjoy dinner in town, catch a cultural performance, explore night markets or just linger longer in a café or along a waterfront promenade, soaking up the local atmosphere. Cruise lines are leaning into the trend with curated overnight excursions designed to showcase a destination after dark. Iceland's Reykjavik and Arctic Norway ports like Alta and Tromsø are increasingly scheduled for overnight stays, giving guests the chance to join cultural experiences by day and land-based aurora tours by night. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced ports like Reykjavik will be included on overnight stops for some of its 2027 itineraries. NCL Bermuda features prominently among the overnight ports in NCL's newly announced itineraries. The cruise line promises guests 'more opportunities than ever to experience the island's pink sand beaches, historical sites and lush green golf courses' with overnight stays at the Royal Naval Dockyard. Overnights are also popular for special events. On New Year's Eve, ships often remain docked into the early hours to allow guests to enjoy fireworks displays in scenic destinations like Funchal, Madeira. Not All Overnight Ports Are Created Equal But before you start planning a late-night itinerary, check the ship's schedule carefully. 'Overnight' simply means the ship stays in port past midnight and doesn't necessarily mean you'll get two full days ashore. Some ships might arrive at 6 p.m. and depart again by 10 a.m. the next morning. Technically overnight, yes, but with limited daytime hours. Others might dock at 10 a.m. on day one and remain until early evening the next day, offering a far more flexible experience. Pay attention to arrival and departure times. Factor in how much of that time falls outside regular business or sightseeing hours and how far the port is from the main attractions. Can You Leave The Ship At Overnight Ports? In most cases, yes. The gangway typically remains open, allowing guests to come and go at will throughout the night. However, that access is ultimately subject to local port regulations and cruise line policies. Some ports may limit overnight access due to security, tidal conditions, or operational constraints. Some may limit late night access to returning shore excursions, for example. Your cruise line will always make the rules clear in your daily planner or onboard app. Public transport may also shut down early, especially in smaller or more remote ports. Taxis may be scarce late at night. If you're heading out independently, make sure you've got a solid plan to get back. Keep a copy of the ship and port agent contact information, just in case. The Rise Of Late-Night Departures Not every itinerary includes a true overnight, but many now offer late stays. These extended visits, usually departing in the hour or two before midnight, still allow for dinner, sunset tours, or evening strolls, without the ship remaining in port all night. These are ideal when the next scheduled destination is not too far away. For example, a ship in Åndalsnes, Norway, can remain as late as 11pm and still make it to Ålesund for an early morning arrival the following day. Destinations like Dubrovnik, Ibiza, and Santorini are increasingly scheduled this way. It gives travelers a chance to see a different side of these popular places, when the day-trippers have gone and the locals reclaim the streets. For northern lights itineraries, departures may be scheduled for midnight or 2am, allowing visitors the opportunity to join aurora tours. As cruise lines chase more immersive and experience-driven travel, overnight stays are becoming a key part of that strategy. NCL's 2027 deployment includes overnight calls across Europe, the Caribbean, and the North Atlantic, with cities like Copenhagen, Hamburg and Reykjavik leading the list. They're not alone. Other major lines are embracing this model too. Regent Seven Seas announced three new voyages that will overnight in every port on the itinerary, while British lines Ambassador and Fred Olsen often overnight in Alta, Norway, on winter cruises. Are Overnight Ports For You? For travelers, the takeaway is simple: if you're tired of rushed port calls and crowded mid-day excursions, seek out itineraries with overnights or late-night stays. In an era where time feels more precious than ever, there's something special about being able to wander a city after dark, knowing your ship will still be there when the sun comes up. Just be sure to read the fine print. Overnight ports might sound luxurious, but the real value depends on how much usable time you'll actually get. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes How To Plan A Norwegian Fjords Cruise In 2025 By David Nikel Forbes Avoid These 10 Rookie Mistakes On Your First Cruise By David Nikel Forbes How To See The Best Of Trondheim On A Norway Cruise By David Nikel
Forbes
5 days ago
- Climate
- Forbes
Northern Lights Update: These 14 States Could See Aurora Borealis Saturday
This weekend will bring several U.S. states a chance at seeing the northern lights, according to a forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which is anticipating some of the highest auroral activity in recent weeks on Saturday. Aurora Borealis in the United Kingdom. (Photo by) Getty Images NOAA has issued a Kp index of five for Saturday, a designation that calls for a 'moderate aurora' that 'can be quite pleasing to look at' for viewers in the right areas. The curved viewing line for Saturday nearly touches the border between South Dakota and Nebraska, as chances of seeing the northern lights increase the farther north people are of the line. Friday's northern lights forecast is not nearly as strong as Saturday's, with NOAA issuing a Kp index of two and a viewing line at the U.S.-Canada border. Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts : We're launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day's headlines. Text 'Alerts' to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here . Saturday's viewing line includes states and areas like Alaska, Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, northern Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, the northern edge of Iowa, Michigan, the northern edges of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Saturday's viewing line. NOAA Between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. is generally considered the best window of time to catch a view of the northern lights. To increase your chances at seeing aurora borealis, try viewing from areas with little to no light pollution and clear skies. Vantage points can also increase chances of seeing the lights. What's The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights? Smartphone users should use night mode and avoid using flash if they want to photograph the northern lights, while people with traditional cameras should use low apertures while shooting. Wide-angle lenses and tripods can also help capture good images. Key Background The northern lights have been active in the U.S. for over a year now, benefiting from the peak of the sun's 11-year solar cycle, which generates coronal mass ejections and solar flares that contribute to higher auroral activity. NASA forecasts say the lights will remain active into next year and eventually decrease in strength as the solar cycle moves forward. Northern Lights Displays Hit A 500-Year Peak In 2024—Here's Where You Could Catch Aurora Borealis In 2025 (Forbes)
CTV News
7 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Dazzling display danced in the night skies over Orillia
The northern lights dance over the City of Orillia on Tues., July 22, 2025. Residents in and around Orillia were treated to a dazzling display of the northern lights Tuesday night as the Aurora Borealis lit up the sky with a summer appearance. A local photographer captured the spectacular show of green, purple, and pink, which danced in the sky and reflected on the waters of Lake Couchiching. Environment Canada does not forecast aurora activity, but space agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Canada's Aurora Forecast often provide updates when auroras are likely. Experts say the best time to see the northern lights in Ontario are during periods of low cloud cover, minimal light pollution, and when solar storm alerts are active. The next peak viewing period for the northern lights in Canada is expected to be in the fall, according to experts.
