Overview
- NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center issued a watch for Tuesday night into early Wednesday after a strong X-class flare on Sunday launched an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection.
- Forecasters expect a Kp index near 5 with a chance of isolated G2 to G3 storms if the interplanetary magnetic field tilts south, which can push aurora to lower latitudes.
- NOAA’s view line shows possible sightings low on the northern horizon across northern-tier states including Washington, Montana, the Upper Midwest, northern New York and New England, with Alaska also favored.
- A bright full moon, clouds and city lights will dim faint displays, so darker skies and an open view to the north will improve visibility.
- Viewers can track conditions in near real time using NOAA’s 30-minute aurora forecast and apps that stream live solar wind data, which reveal the crucial Bz orientation and wind speed.