The sun is in a time of high activity, and that’s great news for fans of the northern lights, a shining show that paints the sky with waving streaks of green, red and purple. The sun just spit out a major flare that could trigger a lovely aurora event that could reach into the northern US.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center issued geomagnetic storm watches for Oct. 3-Oct. 5 after the sun’s peppy X7.1 flare on Oct. 1. An X-class flare is the most intense. NASA estimates the strongest known flare was an X45 that occurred in 2003. “Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy,” NASA said in a statement. “Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts.” They can also trigger spectacular light shows.
Where can I see the aurora?
The Space Weather Prediction Center issued this aurora forecast map for Oct. 3 on Oct. 2. The red area is most likely to see the aurora.
The SWPC offers up aurora forecasts with daily maps of anticipated activity. The map for Oct. 3, for example, shows a strong likelihood of aurora across Alaska and Canada, as represented by red areas. Northern states — including Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota and upper Michigan — are in a green area that indicates a lower likelihood of aurora. It’s still worth a look if you live in those areas and have clear skies.
The incoming geomagnetic storm could stretch the aurora viewing area south, particularly on Oct. 4. “The aurora may become visible over many of the northern states and some of the lower Midwest to Oregon,” the Space Weather Prediction Center said on X. If you go out and aren’t sure you’re seeing an aurora, try taking a photo. Your phone may be able to see it better than you can.
Aurora-viewing tips
Auroras can be fickle. Location is an important factor. The closer you can get to the heart of it, the better. That’s why places like Alaska, Iceland and the northern reaches of Canada are aurora-viewing hotspots. Sometimes strong auroras are visible way farther south than usual. Get away from the light pollution of cities. Look to the north after dark for your best chance at catching a glimpse. NOAA recommends aiming for a couple hours on either side of midnight. Here’s why it can be hard to catch the aurora borealis.
If you live in the northern reaches of the US and don’t normally get to see the northern lights, then the next few days could be an opportunity to catch the phenomenon without having to travel. Check in with the SWPC for the daily forecast.
Even if you miss the aurora, there’s still plenty happening in the night sky this month. Check out our October 2024 skygazing guide.