Overview

Get ready, sky gazers! Tonight could be the night to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights, as geomagnetic conditions promise a window of opportunity across parts of the northern United States. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a period of calm geomagnetic activity lasting through Saturday.

Where to Look for the Northern Lights?

Aurora enthusiasts should focus their attention on northern regions, where there's a low chance of seeing the spectacular light display. States like Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota are positioned for some visibility, specifically in their northern parts. Residents and travelers in areas of northern Washington, Idaho, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan may also find themselves with a shot at witnessing this natural wonder.

Tips for Optimal Viewing

To enhance your chances of experiencing the Northern Lights, try to find a high vantage point away from city lights—light pollution is a major hindrance. The best time to view the aurora borealis is typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, when the skies are darkest.

Photographing the Northern Lights

If you're hoping to capture this stunning phenomenon on camera, experts from Adobe suggest using a standard camera equipped with specific settings: set the focus to the furthest distance, select a wide aperture, use a low shutter speed, and adjust the ISO to a high value for optimal results. For smartphone users, toggling on the night mode feature with a lower shutter speed can yield impressive images as well.

What's Causing the Lights?

The increasing visibility of the Northern Lights can be attributed to the sun reaching a phase known as "solar maximum." This phase, characterized by heightened solar activity, is expected to pull auroras further south than usual. Experts predict this period of increased solar activity won’t just diminish soon; we could continue to see more auroras into 2025 and early 2026, presenting numerous opportunities to experience this extraordinary event.

Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Celestial Events

But that’s not all! Sky watchers can look forward to a variety of exciting astronomical events in the coming weeks, including the last supermoon of the year—a full moon that appears about 30% brighter and 14% larger than usual. Don't miss the chance to enjoy the spectacular Leonids meteor shower, which could light up the night sky like never before.

Conclusion

Stay tuned, and keep your cameras ready! This weekend could be mesmerizing under the night sky. Are you ready to chase the aurora?