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3h ago

Aurora Watch Continues for Northern U.S. as NOAA Sees G1 Storm Potential Friday Night

Real-time solar-wind readings give only about 30 minutes of reliable warning, so skywatchers should check NOAA’s updates.

Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, captured at Pier Cove Park in Ganges Township on Nov. 12.
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Overview

  • Following Thursday night’s activity, NOAA says a minor G1 geomagnetic storm is possible Friday night into early Saturday, keeping aurora chances alive for northern states.
  • Potential viewing areas include Alaska and northern sections of Washington, Idaho, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Maine, with the glow likely low on the northern horizon.
  • Forecast guidance points to a Kp index near 5, and some outlets reported a possible G2 upgrade that would push visibility farther south if confirmed by real-time data.
  • The best window runs from about 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. local time, and darker skies from Saturday’s new moon improve odds for spotting faint bands if clouds stay away.
  • A fast stream from a coronal hole is driving the disturbance, and NOAA’s DSCOVR satellite will refine the outlook with solar wind measurements that offer roughly 30 minutes of reliable notice.