Northern Lights Expected to Grace Skies Tonight, Offering Prime Viewing Opportunities
Residents across several northern states have a heightened chance of witnessing the aurora borealis tonight after sunset. The national Oceanic and Atmospheric Governance (NOAA) forecasts favorable viewing conditions for areas including Alaska, with lesser chances predicted for parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, wisconsin, Upper Michigan, and Maine.
Tips for Optimal Viewing and Photography
For the best experience, NOAA recommends seeking out a north-facing location with minimal light pollution, ideally from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.local time.Photographers aiming to capture the celestial display are advised to use a wide-angle lens with an aperture of f/4 or lower,and to set their focus to the furthest possible setting. Stabilizing the camera with a tripod is also crucial. Smartphone users should disable the flash and utilize the night mode feature.
Understanding the Aurora’s Increased Visibility
The recent surge in aurora visibility is attributed to the sun reaching its “solar maximum,” a peak in its 11-year cycle. This period is characterized by an increase in solar events such as coronal mass ejections and solar flares.These phenomena are the primary drivers of the aurora borealis, as charged particles from the sun interact with oxygen and nitrogen molecules in Earth’s atmosphere, causing them to emit light. experts predict this heightened solar activity, and consequently, increased aurora displays, will continue through early 2026.