Northern Lights to Dazzle Again

Get ready! Several states across the continental U.S. might get another chance to catch a glimpse of the stunning Northern Lights this Tuesday night. This exciting news comes after a series of solar ejections we saw over the weekend.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the auroras are likely to be visible as far south as several U.S. states. Although Tuesday’s display might not be as vibrant as the one we experienced recently, there’s still hope for a beautiful sight.

This weekend, a group of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) swept towards Earth, causing excitement among aurora enthusiasts. The CMEs are expected to keep impacting us until Tuesday, which amplifies the chances of spotting the lights.

Just the day before, on Monday, we had a strong aurora show that reached a high level of activity. This likely means the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are still good, especially since the Perseid meteor shower is happening around the same time, making for a special nighttime sky.

While the best view of the lights is usually seen in Canada and Alaska, many states in the northern U.S. shouldn’t be left out. States like Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and others might be in for a treat this week.

The prime time to see the aurora borealis is usually between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. To maximize your viewing experience, it’s best to find a location away from city lights, look for clear weather, and choose a high spot like a hilltop. If you have a smartphone, consider using night mode to capture the beauty of the lights.

Interestingly, we’re currently in a period of heightened solar activity as the sun’s 11-year cycle approaches its peak around late 2024 to early 2026. This means we might witness more geomagnetic storms, allowing for even more aurora sightings.

In Central Alberta, people like Grant McKee are already experiencing the beauty of the Northern Lights. He shared his experience from the Rotary Wetlands Project, stating how the colors were vibrant and captivating. However, he advises others to keep looking and to be prepared for a late-night adventure, as not every outing yields perfect sights.