Topline
The Northern Lights may be visible from northern U.S. states overnight on Monday, Nov. 10, through Wednesday, Nov. 12, as two giant clouds of plasma left the sun last week arrive at Earth. A G2 or G3 geomagnetic storm is forecast by space weather experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which could produce displays of aurora from northern and upper Midwest states from New York to Idaho, the agency said, but possibly from up to 22 states.
A lone tree stands silhouetted against vibrant northern lights in purple and green, reflecting over a calm lake beneath a starry night sky.
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Key Facts
The latest NOAA forecast and storm watch announcement includes a Kp index of 5.67 on a scale of nine for Monday night, indicating the northern lights may be visible from northern and upper Midwest states, as well as Alaska and Canada.
A geomagnetic storm rated G2 (on a scale of G1-G5) is predicted to begin on Monday, Nov. 10, with displays of aurora possible from darkness until around 01:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
However, a “more significant arrival is then expected during the second half of day 2 (Nov. 11),” according to the UK Met Office. That could see aurora overnight on Tuesday, Nov. 11, through Wednesday, Nov. 12.
This week’s promising northern lights forecast follows displays on Sunday and strong G3 geomagnetic storms late Thursday and early Friday, in the wake of X1.1 and X1.8 solar flares, similar to those on Nov. 4, which saw aurora borealis visible in 22 states.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?
Northern Canada and Alaska have the highest likelihood of viewing the northern lights. U.S. states that may see aurora include Alaska and (northerly parts of) Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York and Maine, according to NOAA’s latest aurora viewlines.
However, according to Spaceweather.com, a G3 geomagnetic storm could result from a “one-two punch” if both CMEs arrive at the same time this week. That could mean more states seeing aurora, including Oregon, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire.
