Overview
- NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, which posted forecasts for late Thursday into early Friday, said aurora could reach parts of at least nine northern states with Kp around 5.
- The prime viewing window is generally 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. local time with activity most likely near midnight, and clear, dark skies away from city lights remain essential.
- Forecast maps highlight northern Washington and Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, northern South Dakota, northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with Alaska holding strong odds.
- Outlets differed on severity and alerts, with Fox Weather reporting a NOAA Geomagnetic Storm Watch and some reports mentioning a possible G2 upgrade, while others cited no formal warning and a Kp‑5 outlook.
- NOAA guidance indicates elevated geomagnetic activity could persist through May 16, so Friday night may bring another chance, especially as little moonlight improves visibility.