‘Severe’ Northern Lights Alert For 23 States On Thursday And Friday
Forbes • • science
Key Points:
- NOAA forecasts geomagnetic storms up to G4 strength on June 4-5, potentially making the northern lights visible across northern U.S. states and Canada, with a chance to reach as far south as 23 states.
- The geomagnetic activity is driven by three solar wind disturbances arriving in close succession, including a coronal mass ejection (CME) from May 30 and recent solar flares on June 3, which may amplify auroral displays.
- The presence of a bright waning gibbous moon after midnight and the short nights near the June solstice may hinder visibility of the aurora, despite favorable geomagnetic conditions.
- Aurora visibility depends on factors such as the Kp index and the orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field's Bz component; a southward Bz enhances geomagnetic coupling and intensifies auroras.
- Real-time aurora forecasts and live solar wind data can be monitored via websites like SpaceWeatherLive.com and apps such as Aurora Now and My Aurora Forecast for best viewing opportunities.