Posted on 04/21/2025 12:54:30 PM PDT by Red Badger
Get ready for a spectacular light show tonight as geomagnetic storms bring the northern lights closer to unexpected locations.
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are expected to put on a stunning display across several U.S. states tonight, thanks to geomagnetic storms that are disrupting Earth’s magnetic field. These solar-driven storms, forecasted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will bring the auroras closer to areas typically outside their usual range. This rare opportunity offers a chance for skywatchers in unexpected locations to witness one of nature’s most mesmerizing phenomena.
Where Will the Northern Lights Be Visible?
According to NOAA’s forecast, the best chances of witnessing the northern lights will be in Alaska and northern Canada. However, for those living closer to the U.S. border, the aurora borealis will be visible along a broad “view line” just north of Iowa. States such as Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota may also experience lesser displays, although areas further south, including South Dakota, Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, and Maine, will have a much lower likelihood of observing the spectacle. As Forbes notes, the auroras are best seen between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, making late-night observation crucial for skywatchers.
Monday night’s view line. (NOAA)
How to Get the Best View and Capture the Perfect Shot
For those eager to catch a glimpse of the northern lights, experts recommend finding a high, north-facing vantage point away from city lights. Light pollution can obscure the visibility of the auroras, so areas well-removed from artificial lighting are ideal.
To get the best view, look to clear skies, as clouds can obstruct the light show. As for photography, the use of a wide-angle lens with a low F-stop (around 4 or lower) is recommended. It’s also important to set the focus to infinity, ensuring that the auroras are captured clearly.
For smartphone users, NOAA advises turning on night mode and turning off the flash to avoid overexposure. With these tips in mind, capturing the northern lights can be an unforgettable experience.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
The next few days will offer multiple opportunities to see the northern lights as geomagnetic storms continue to impact Earth’s magnetic field. Monday night’s forecast places the auroras in the range of a Kp index of four, which is expected to be highly visible and quite pleasing for those located in the affected areas.
As the week progresses, auroral activity is expected to intensify, with a maximum Kp index of six on Tuesday. The strength of the geomagnetic storm will fluctuate, with slight decreases in activity anticipated by Thursday. For skywatchers across the U.S., this forecast represents a rare and exciting chance to witness the aurora borealis in a wider range of locations than usual.
Ping!.................
Cool! Maybe I’ll get lucky tonight (if I can stay awake). I have to head to the open prairie to the north to get a good, dark place to watch.
The Norse associated the aurora with the Valkyries, warrior maidens who guided fallen warriors to Valhalla. The lights were thought to be reflections of their shining armor or the “Bifrost,” a rainbow bridge connecting Earth to Asgard, the realm of the gods.
The Sami, indigenous to Lapland, believed the aurora was the souls of the dead or energy from ancestral spirits. They treated it with reverence, avoiding whistling or pointing to prevent angering the spirits, who might sever fingers or cause misfortune.
The Finnish ancients called the aurora “revontulet” (fox fires), believing it was caused by a mythical firefox sparking light with its tail while running across the sky.
The Scottish and Celtic thought the rare auroras were “merry dancers” or spirits battling in the sky, with red lights foretelling war (e.g., before the Battle of Culloden, 1746).
The Mongolian and Siberian Tribes viewed auroras as sky gods or spirits, often linked to fertility or celestial hunts, influencing shamanic rituals.
Chinese astronomers documented auroras as early as 2600 BCE, viewing them as celestial omens or manifestations of “qi” (life energy). They were often interpreted as dragons or serpents dancing in the sky, symbolizing divine messages or cosmic battles.
The Greeks linked the aurora to divine or atmospheric phenomena, possibly the goddess Aurora (Eos), who heralded dawn with rosy light. Aristotle (4th century BCE) described auroras as “chasmata” (sky gaps) or burning vapors in his Meteorology, suggesting a natural but mysterious cause.
The Romans viewed them as omens of war or divine anger, with red auroras signaling bloodshed, as recorded during the Second Punic War (218–201 BCE).
That's what she said. 😃
Aaannndddd, it’s cloudy. As usual.
Aurora ping
LOL!
We’ve had clouds and sun alternating probably five times today. Some pretty good hail got thrown in the mix a couple hours ago, too.
Watch out where the huskies go, don’t you eat that yellow snow.
For NH today was mostly clear and clouds moved in towards late afternoon. There’s a slight chance of rain tonight and more on Sat.
Otherwise, we’re in for clear and mild, more than usual.
But sadly the clouds will not break until after sunrise. Maybe I can catch them Tues night if they last that long.
I hope it clears for you!
We were socked in an hour ago and couldn’t see across the lake. Now there’s glorious sunshine (again), the air is crystal clear and blue sky with white clouds. But all I have to do is wait another 30 minutes for the next cycle. Ah, spring!
Overcast here as usual. But thanks.
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