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The northern lights will likely be most visible in states from New York to Washington on Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning after a weekend solar outburst caused a moderate geomagnetic storm.
The Northern Lights turn the sky pink and sparkle on the calm waters of the North Pond. … [+]
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According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, Tuesday night's aurora Kp index was 5, which means the auroras will be farther away from the poles and appear brighter to observers, making them “pleasing to the eye” under the right viewing conditions.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has also released a G2 geomagnetic storm observation between 1:00 and 4:00 AM EDT on Wednesday due to a coronal mass ejection (eruption of solar material) that occurred on Sunday.
Geomagnetic storms could cause the northern lights to be visible in parts of some northern and upper Midwestern states from Maine to Washington, and the storms could also damage radio frequencies and spacecraft.
Solar activity has been extremely active in recent months. The sun's 11-year solar activity cycle will reach its expected peak from the end of 2024 to early 2026. Sunspots are expected to intensify next year and may trigger more geomagnetic storms.
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Where can I see the Northern Lights tonight?
Although it's difficult to know exactly where the lights will be visible, NOAA provides predictions of potential sightlines (see below). The U.S. states within the aurora field of view include Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, New York, and Vermont , New Hampshire and Maine.
Aurora viewing line on Tuesday night.
What's the best way to see the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are usually most active between 10pm and 2am. Conditions, find a location at a vantage point such as a mountain top.
What's the best way to photograph the Northern Lights?
Smartphone cameras are sensitive enough Capture the Aurora, even if it's invisible to the naked eye. Visit Iceland is a travel site in Iceland where lights are often visible and recommends turning on night mode to best increase exposure for your smartphone camera.
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Solar Cycle 25 (which the sun goes through approximately every 11 years) is the cause of geomagnetic storms that have led to recent displays of the Northern Lights, which NASA predicts will continue until 2026. The maximum will be reached between late 2024 and early 2026, when activity is expected to peak. Although the maximum has not yet occurred, the sun is more active than scientists expected, so more geomagnetic storms may occur by 2025, although it is difficult to predict exactly when these storms will occur.
