NOAA Forecasts Mild Auroral Activity Across Northern U.S. States Saturday Night

Forbes reported that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a forecast of mild auroral activity for Saturday night in parts of the northern U.S. NOAA forecast a Kp index of five, meaning the aurora can be “quite pleasing” to look at for observers in the right areas. No geomagnetic storm impacts have been forecast for Saturday night.

The agency issued a Kp index of three for Sunday night, indicating that Saturday’s auroral activity is not expected to continue. Areas within the forecast include northern Washington, the northern tip of Idaho, Montana, the northern edge of Wyoming, North Dakota, northern South Dakota, the northern half of Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and the northern tip of Michigan.

Chances to see the northern lights are even higher in Alaska and increase farther inland.

Northern lights viewing is best done between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. High vantage points and places with little to no light pollution improve visibility. Low moon illumination also helps, and Saturday’s waning crescent moon will be about 15% illuminated.