If seeing the northern lights is on your bucket list, you might just be in luck. The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, could appear in parts of Montana on July 13.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute forecasts that auroral activity will be high next Thursday, with hyperactive light displays visible in parts of Canada and the U.S.
It has not yet been determined specifically when the lights could appear in Montana, but the forecast lists part of the state in range of seeing the aurora borealis.
Here’s what you need to know to catch the northern lights.
Where could the northern lights appear in Montana?
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute is listing Montana as a place with the potential to see the northern lights next week, with the majority of the state included in its map of places where the lights could be visible. The institute lists Helena as a place where people can see “highly active auroral displays.”
What time will the northern lights be visible?
The best chance of viewing the aurora borealis is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center says. People interested in seeing them should get away from city lights.
The higher the geomagnetic activity, the brighter the aurora. As the day approaches, NOAA will monitor the activity and release a forecast of its own.
Next week’s northern lights display: Here’s where you might view them in each state.
Where else can the northern lights be seen?
Here are the other states that may see the northern lights next week: Alaska, Maryland, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, New York, New Hampshire, Washington, Vermont, Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming, Indiana.
When was the last major northern light event in the U.S.?
A geomagnetic storm created lights that were visible in 30 U.S. states in late April. The aurora could be seen in parts of Iowa, North Dakota, and Kansas.
More on solar events in the east: What to know about the 2024 solar eclipse in VT: It’s expected to bring 250,000 tourists.
What are the northern lights?
The aurora borealis is a phenomenon that creates glowing, colorful lights in the sky that can be seen in certain parts of the world, especially around the magnetic poles in the northern and southern hemispheres.
What causes the northern lights?
The natural phenomenon is usually caused by solar winds coming from the sun and Earth’s magnetic field, according to the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.
“Aurora is the name given to the glow or light produced when electrons from space flow down Earth’s magnetic field and collide with atoms and molecules of the upper atmosphere in a ring or oval centered on the magnetic pole of Earth,” the website says. “The collisions produce light much like how electrons flowing through gas in a neon light collide with neon and other gases to produce different colored light bulbs.”
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How do solar particles interacting with atoms and molecules in the atmosphere create the northern lights
Hould plan to be outside during these hours.
How can I increase my chances of seeing the northern lights?
To have the best chance of seeing the northern lights, head to an area with minimal light pollution. Find a dark spot away from city lights where the night sky is clear and unobstructed. Additionally, check the weather forecast to ensure clear skies and consider bringing a camera with a tripod to capture the stunning light displays.
What causes the northern lights?
The northern lights are caused by solar particles entering Earth’s atmosphere and colliding with atoms and molecules in the air. This collision releases energy in the form of light, resulting in the beautiful auroral displays. The colors of the lights are determined by the type of gas in the atmosphere at the time of the collision.
Why are the northern lights visible in Montana?
The northern lights are typically seen in regions closer to the Earth’s poles, such as Alaska and Canada. However, during periods of high auroral activity, the lights can be visible in more southern locations, including parts of the northern United States. Montana’s position at a higher latitude makes it a prime location for viewing the northern lights during such events.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to cross seeing the northern lights off your bucket list. Keep an eye on the forecast and head to a dark spot in Montana next Thursday to witness this natural phenomenon firsthand.
I can’t wait to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Lights illuminating the skies of Montana! Nature’s enchanting display never fails to leave me in awe.