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The northern lights are forecast to be visible from 15 states across the U.S. on Monday, June 2
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts the display to be “quite pleasing to look at,” according to its Kp index scale measurement
There’s a chance the auroras may be visible throughout the week, though the first half is expected to be stronger
The cosmos are sizzling!
As the summer season draws near, astronomical activity continues to heat up with another chance for spotting the northern lights from several states across the United States on Monday, June 2.
A solar flare was observed over the weekend, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which has triggered powerful displays of aurora borealis. This forms a geomagnetic storm, which results in northern lights (also known as aurora borealis).
Get excited! NOAA predicts Monday night’s display to reach a Kp index of five, the strength of the northern lights measured on a scale from zero to nine. This means, “more auroral activity” that can be “quite pleasing to look at” may appear depending on our viewpoint from Earth.
Monday night’s celestial spectacle is likely to be the first of a rather active, astronomical week. According to NOAA’s three-day forecast, the greatest expected three-hour Kp for June 2 through June 4 is 6.67 with a G-scale of three out of five.
A select range of states are expected to catch a glimpse of the vibrant hues in the sky. According to NOAA’s view line that indicates the southern extent of where the aurora might be seen in the Northern Hemisphere, rarer locations like New York may also get a view.
Read on for where, where and how to watch the northern lights tonight!
When will the northern lights be visible?
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Northern lights are visible from Wisconsin
The northern lights are forecast for the night of Monday, June 2. However, there’s a chance they’ll be spottable throughout the first half of the week.
As for timing, the northern lights aren’t visible during daylight hours. They are best viewed in the hours just after sunset and right before sunrise.
Where will the northern lights be visible?
Several locations across the United States are expected to catch a glimpse of the northern lights from Earth, according to NOAA’s auroa viewline, however Alaska and Canada have the best chances at spotting them.
Washington, Montana, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan are also in the green. Iowa, Wyoming, New York, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont have a shot at viewing, but the lowest chances.
How to watch the northern lights?
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Northern lights shine bright above Iceland
Aside from the spectacular display of vibrant colors that light up the night sky up above, the best part about the aurora borealis is that little to no technology is needed to spot them from Earth. Simply, dark skies and eyes are all that’s required to soak in the phenomenon.
It’s advised to find a viewing area that’s far away from city lights and other forms of light pollution that have the potential to drown out the hues that color the night. Dark locations are recommended.
How to take photos of the northern lights?
Did the northern lights really happen if you didn’t take a picture of them yourself? Fortunately, certain smartphones have a high-tech capability to capture the breathtaking phenomenon on camera if you toggle on the “Night Mode” settings in your phone.
Then, simply aim your lens to the sky and snap away! (Sometimes the phone automatically picks up the colors of the spectacle itself, enhancing the celestial scene.)
Read the original article on People
