Topline
Ten northern states could have an opportunity to see the aurora borealis Saturday and Sunday due to the arrival of fast solar winds from a coronal hole on the sun, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.
Key Facts
The Kp index—measuring how far away from the poles the northern lights could be visible—is predicted as a 5 out of 9 both Saturday and Sunday, suggesting the lights will “be quite pleasing to look at.”
There is likely to be minor to moderate solar activity, NOAA says, with a “large, positive polarity coronal hole” continuing through the weekend.
A coronal hole is an area on the sun where energy leaks more freely, which allows solar particles to race toward Earth and increase the chances of seeing the northern lights.
NOAA says the wind stream could lead to a minor geomagnetic storm, which occurs when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s magnetic field.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?
Northern Canada and Alaska always have the highest likelihood of viewing the northern lights, but NOAA’s predicted “view line” this weekend extends to many northern states—Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Maine. The line hovers just north of New York, Vermont and New Hampshire.
What’s The Best Time To See The Northern Lights?
NOAA says the best time to view the aurora borealis is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., hours that could extend “as the level of geomagnetic activity increases.” The northern lights are not as active and visually appealing during evenings and mornings, according to NOAA.
How To Photograph The Northern Lights
National Geographic recommends using a wide-angle lens to capture the aurora borealis, with a focus on strong composition. Experts suggest using an F-stop or aperture of four or less and a focus set to the farthest possible setting. For taking photos of the northern lights on a smartphone, enable night mode for iPhones or Pro mode for Androids, then use a tripod to stabilize the image.
