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The “view line”—the farthest point south where people might catch a glimpse of the northern lights—now spans over two dozen U.S. states.
WASHINGTON — On Monday, nearly half of the U.S. could be treated to a dazzling display of the northern lights, provided the sky remains clear.
As forecasted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center, the aurora could make an appearance from Washington state all the way to Maine, and possibly as far south as Missouri, on Monday, January 19.
The NOAA’s geomagnetic activity scale, known as the “Kp” index, predicts an intensity level of eight out of nine for Monday night. By Tuesday night, this figure is expected to decrease to four.
A severe G-4 geomagnetic storm watch has been announced for Monday night into early Tuesday morning.
Back in November, the northern lights put on colorful displays across several U.S. states following a severe G4 geomagnetic storm watch. G4-level watches are rare, with only four alerts issued so far this solar cycle, NOAA previously said.
Where will the northern lights be visible tonight?
Two dozen states may have a chance to view the celestial phenomenon Monday, Jan. 19, according to the NOAA’s forecast. The predicted “view line,” or the southernmost spot where skygazers might still be able to view the northern lights, also includes states as far down as Iowa.
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
What causes the northern lights?
In layman’s terms, the sun is constantly shooting out charged particles. But sometimes, it emits a particularly violent stream of energy known as solar wind, during solar flares or “coronal mass ejections.”
When these energetic solar winds hit the Earth’s atmosphere, they collide with the gases in the upper atmosphere and charge them. As that energy dissipates, it lets out light that we can see.
The different gases produce different colors, which is why an aurora borealis can shift from green and blue to red and purple.
How to see auroras
Northern lights forecasts can be found on NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or an aurora forecasting app.
Consider aurora-watching in a quiet, dark area away from city lights. NASA’s Kelly Korreck recommended skygazing from a local or national park. And check the weather forecast because clouds can cover up the spectacle entirely.
Taking a picture with a smartphone camera may also reveal hints of the aurora that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
The Associated Press and WBNS’s Aaron White contributed to this report.
Click here to check the forecast for your area from your trusted local weather team.
