The aurora are wily while scientists know a lot about what causes the northern lights, they don’t have an exact way to predict the timing of when they occur or how bright they’ll appear, even on nights of strong activity. Open fields (without lit buildings or other lights) are also a good contender. If you can find a lake or other body of water to look out across to the north, this is a great option. This means you need to find a location where there are no trees, mountains, or other obstructions to the north. From the continental U.S., the aurora are only visible low above the northern horizon. (Photo by Alex Kormann/Star Tribune via Getty Images) Star Tribune via Getty ImagesĪs mentioned, you also need a view to the north. The KP index was high in the early morning hours of Saturday Septemwhich meant the aurora borealis aka 'the Northern lights' were visible from Northern Minnesota. Wolf Lake in the Cloquet State Forest in Minnesota around midnight on Saturday morning. 28: The aurora borealis could be seen on the North horizon in the night sky over. Snow reflects light, adding an extra layer of complexity. This means if you live near a city or town, you’ve gotta get away from the bright city lights.Īdditionally, if it has snowed in your area lately, you may need to travel even further (1-2 hours) from the city to escape light pollution.

If you’re trying to view the aurora from the continental U.S., you need to escape any light pollution, as it will likely obscure the aurora that is visible (which will be faint and only visible near the northern horizon). (If you happen to be visiting other countries know for the aurora, like Iceland, Norway, Sweden, or Finland, you’re in for a real treat!) Find a Dark Sky Location But remember: in most of these states, the aurora will only be visible in the northern parts of the state. Other states where you might see the aurora this week include Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. He said patience is key, and to plan for a late night.Obviously, this makes it a great time to visit Alaska – if you already have a trip planned, that is, as most places book out several months in advance. The best viewing is typically between 1 and 3 a.m., but Delamere said some of the best aurora displays he’s seen have been just before dawn or in the early evening. The forecast shows aurora activity through Sunday. “If you see it moving farther and farther south, keep an eye on it because that’s where it’s going to explode from.” “Definitely look north, look for the southern-most auroral arc,” said Delamere. That’s not as typical in southern areas of the state like Kodiak. Delamere said further north at the Geophysical Institute in Fairbanks, the aurora can appear on the southern horizon. Luckily, you don’t need to be a space physicist to observe the effects. Scientists use a combination of data beamed down from equipment in space and computer modeling to predict when and where the aurora might be at its peak. It’s all really complicated – even for scientists – explained Delamere, and predicting the aurora can be just as difficult. Streaks of green are caused by electrons colliding with oxygen, and red light comes from nitrogen. Electrons from those solar disturbances break into the atmosphere and release colored light as they interact with different types of gas. The natural light show is caused by disturbances on the surface of the sun that pull on the magnetic field surrounding earth. “I know that for this weekend the forecast is for fairly moderate activity and I think Kodiak is within the oval of anticipated activity, so this weekend could be good if you have clear skies,” said Peter Delamere, a professor of space physics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks’s Geophysical Institute. It’s a little less common further south, but the island could see another light show over the next few days. Catching a glimpse of the aurora borealis in the northern part of Alaska isn’t that unusual. Social media lit up earlier this week with photos Kodiak residents had snapped of the northern lights rippling overhead.

Northern lights forecast fairbanks