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Michigan could see aurora Thursday, Friday. Solar storm watch issued
Detroit Free Press • • science
Key Points:
- A solar flare has triggered NOAA to issue a G1 geomagnetic storm watch for Aug. 27 and a G2 watch for Aug. 28, potentially causing strong northern lights visible in Michigan, especially in the Upper Peninsula.
- The partial lunar eclipse on Aug. 27 will be visible across Michigan, with 96% of the moon covered by Earth's shadow, peaking at 12:12 a.m. on Aug. 28.
- Aurora borealis displays result from solar wind interacting with Earth's atmosphere, causing colorful lights primarily green, red, or blue depending on the gases excited.
- Clear skies Thursday night offer a good opportunity to view both the lunar eclipse and northern lights, with suggestions to visit dark sky areas for optimal viewing.
- For better visibility of the northern lights, using a phone camera in night mode can help capture the aurora if it’s faint to the naked eye.
