Latest news with #solaractivity
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Washington state is in NOAA's 'view line' for the northern lights tonight
Stargazers in Washington state could get a rare and mesmerizing glimpse of the northern lights today, Aug. 7, and Friday, Aug. 8, according to forecasts by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Space Weather Prediction Center. New forecast maps show Washington well inside the agency's "view line" for the aurora borealis on both days. NOAA's aurora view line map represents the southernmost areas where the northern lights may be seen on the northern horizon. Cloud conditions across the state are also looking favorable during the darkest portions of the night today. National Weather Service predictions show sky cover percentages of 33% or lower from much of Western and Eastern Washington, including Bellingham, Bremerton, Seattle, Olympia, Vancouver, Spokane, and Walla Walla. Here's more on the northern lights and the best time to see the colorful display in the night sky. What is the best time to see the northern lights in Washington? The best time to view the northern lights in Washington is typically after nightfall from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., according to AuroraAdmin. The northern lights, viewable on the northern horizon, can last from several minutes to several hours, depending on the severity of solar activity. "The exact duration of the auroras depends on factors such as the intensity of the solar storm, atmospheric conditions, and the strength of the aurora display," the AuroraAdmin website explains. "Keep in mind that while some auroras are brief, others can offer an extended and breathtaking show, adding to the captivating experience of the Washington night sky." Experienced stargazers also know that moving away from city lights and other light pollution increases the chances of getting a good night sky view. The AuroaAdmin website says to be on the lookout for bursts of white light or flickering that looks like clouds. "Especially in areas like Seattle with some light pollution, you are more likely to see predominant greens and reds," the website states. "For a more immersive and vibrant experience, consider capturing long exposures with a camera to reveal the true brilliance of the auroras." Will it be cloudy tonight? Cloud cover predictions from the National Weather Service show mostly clear conditions tonight and into the early morning hours of Friday, Aug. 8. At 2 a.m., the sky cover percentage is forecast to be 29% in Bellingham. It is 33% in Seattle, 15% in Olympia, 3% in the Vancouver area, 7% in Yakima, 24% in Spokane, and 23% in Omak. The weather agency's sky cover map predicts the "expected amount of opaque clouds (in percent) covering the sky valid for the indicated hour." Generally speaking, cloud cover percentages around 30% or lower are considered to be "good" for viewing the night sky, according to What causes the northern lights? The auroras are natural light displays in Earth's sky that are famously best seen in high-latitude regions of the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The phenomenon is caused when electrically charged particles from space enter Earth's atmosphere and collide with molecules and gases like oxygen and nitrogen, causing the atmospheric particles to gain energy. The particles release that energy in the form of light to return to their normal state, according to the University of Alaska at Fairbanks Geophysical Institute website, which tracks the phenomenon. As auroras form, Earth's magnetic field redirects the particles toward the poles through a process that produces a stunning display of rays, spirals, and flickers that have fascinated humans for millennia. Whether hues of green, red, blue, and even pink dance about in the sky depends on the altitude where the collisions occur, as well as the composition and density of the atmosphere at the time. Contributing: Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY Network This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Washington state could get rare glimpse of the northern lights tonight Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
You Can Still See the Aurora Borealis Tonight. Here's Where the Brightest Lights Will Glow
The Fourth of July holiday will bring explosive light shows on Friday night, but many folks will see much quieter and calmer lights in the sky tonight, as recent solar activity will continue to bring the Aurora Borealis to several US states. Wednesday night marks the winding down of a Kp 4 magnetic storm that the Space Weather Prediction Center reported starting late Monday evening. The K-Index measures the horizontal impact of geomagnetic storms, and a Kp4 or Kp 5 rating results in what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration calls a "moderate" aurora. As Wednesday night turns into Thursday morning, the aurora will pull back a little and become less visible, unless you're on the northern border with Canada. According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, Wednesday night's aurora will be visible in Alaska, Washington state, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine. The northernmost sections of New York, Vermont and New Hampshire might get lucky as well. Alaska and Canada will have the best views by a wide margin, with virtually the entire state of Alaska getting coverage. Much like with the Earth's weather, space weather prediction can be hit or miss. So if you're in any of the above states, it's worth taking a look if you're up that late. The magnetic storm may be slightly stronger or weaker than forecast, which will affect how far south the northern lights reach. This event won't be as strong as the epic show we saw in May 2024. The standard space viewing tips all apply here. You'll get a better view if you get away from the city and suburbs to avoid light pollution. Weather will play a role as well, since any clouds will obfuscate the view. If you attempt to photograph the aurora, we recommend using long exposure times to give your camera more time to soak in the light. Other than that, you'll want to look toward the northern horizon to give yourself the best chance at a good view, since (as you may've guessed) that's where the northern lights originate.
CNET
02-07-2025
- Climate
- CNET
You Can Still See the Aurora Borealis Tonight. Here's Where the Brightest Lights Will Glow
The Fourth of July holiday will bring explosive light shows on Friday night, but many folks will see much quieter and calmer lights in the sky tonight, as recent solar activity will continue to bring the Aurora Borealis to several US states. Wednesday night marks the winding down of a Kp 4 magnetic storm that the Space Weather Prediction Center reported starting late Monday evening. The K-Index measures the horizontal impact of geomagnetic storms, and a Kp4 or Kp 5 rating results in what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration calls a "moderate" aurora. As Wednesday night turns into Thursday morning, the aurora will pull back a little and become less visible, unless you're on the northern border with Canada. NOAA maps show that aurora lights will be visible in the most northern parts of the US on Wednesday. NOAA Which states could see the aurora borealis tonight? According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, Wednesday night's aurora will be visible in Alaska, Washington state, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine. The northernmost sections of New York, Vermont and New Hampshire might get lucky as well. Alaska and Canada will have the best views by a wide margin, with virtually the entire state of Alaska getting coverage. Much like with the Earth's weather, space weather prediction can be hit or miss. So if you're in any of the above states, it's worth taking a look if you're up that late. The magnetic storm may be slightly stronger or weaker than forecast, which will affect how far south the northern lights reach. This event won't be as strong as the epic show we saw in May 2024. Tips on viewing the northern lights The standard space viewing tips all apply here. You'll get a better view if you get away from the city and suburbs to avoid light pollution. Weather will play a role as well, since any clouds will obfuscate the view. If you attempt to photograph the aurora, we recommend using long exposure times to give your camera more time to soak in the light. Other than that, you'll want to look toward the northern horizon to give yourself the best chance at a good view, since (as you may've guessed) that's where the northern lights originate.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Northern Lights possible this week, Met Office says, thanks to solar storms
The Met Office says charge particles from two solar flares could crash into the Earth's atmosphere creating Northern lights displays for the next few days. Two recent Coronal Mass Ejections - when material from the Sun's surface is thrown into space, could collide with the Earth today, rushing towards the atmosphere thanks to high-speed solar winds. The Space Weather forecast reads: "There is the potential for two possible Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) arrivals, along with a possible connection to a high-speed solar wind stream later into July 3. These factors may lead to an expansion of the auroral oval, increasing the likelihood of aurora sightings across higher latitudes. "That said, significant displays remain unlikely due to the limited hours of darkness in the Northern Hemisphere at this time of year." READ MORE: Government says stock up on nine emergency items as war risk increases READ MORE: My son's final words were 'dad did this and he did it on purpose' There are currently up to eleven sunspot regions on the visible surface of the Sun. Two region have shown some recent growth and could spark solar flares. No Earth-directed Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) were observed in the past 24hrs. The Met Office said solar activity is expected to increase to 'Unsettled to Active' with 'G1/Minor Storm (Kp5) intervals' on July 2 and 3 on Day 1 into Day 2 (02-03 Jul), and a Slight Chance of G2/Moderate Storm (Kp6). That means there is a possibility of seeing Northern Lights. Geomagnetic activity expected to lessen through the end of the week.
Fast Company
25-06-2025
- Climate
- Fast Company
Aurora borealis forecast: Northern lights may be visible in 15 states tonight. Here's the best time to see them
If you missed the northern lights, or aurora borealis, earlier this month, you may have a second chance tonight, Wednesday, June 25, when they may be visible in some 15 U.S. states. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts the next possibility for viewing the northern lights is Wednesday night, with best viewing from Alaska to South Dakota. The agency's three-day forecast is predicting G1 to G2 geomagnetic storms, which are considered minor to moderate, on a scale of G1 to G5. A stream of solar wind from a coronal hole on the sun, is likely to create auroras, or swaths of blue, green, and purple in the sky, when it reaches Earth. This year's increased solar activity is likely the result of an 11-year sun cycle peaking through October. Where and when will the northern lights be visible? According to this map from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, a total of 15 are in the line of view for the auroras, with Alaska and the northernmost states expected to have the best visibility on Wednesday, June 25. They are: Alaska, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Michigan, Maine, New York, Vermont, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Wyoming, South Dakota, northern Idaho, Iowa, and Washington. However, since we just experienced the summer solstice, which brings the longest days of the year, and therefore, the shortest nights, viewing may be hampered with less hours of night sky in some areas. The aurora borealis is best observed just after sunset or just before sunrise. predicts activity will remain high through 2025 and 2026. You can track the aurora on NOAA's page, where the agency is providing updates.
