More Than 15 States Should Be Able To See the Northern Lights on Wednesday or Thursday

Renee Hanlon
·4 min read
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Sky gazers are in for a treat this week if you live in certain northern states. Conditions are perfect for a solar storm that will display colorful lights in the night sky. Although the Northern Lights are typically most visible in Canada and Alaska, this week, they will have much greater visibility. In fact, a total of 17 states will have the opportunity for viewing the Northern Lights this Wednesday or Thursday. We'll go over which states and times are best for seeing the aurora so you won't miss out.

If you enjoy watching the sky for opportunities like a rare planetary alignment or a glimpse of a green comet, then you will definitely want to stay up for the colorful spectacle of the Northern Lights. Even if you only watch the sky during a fireworks display, having the opportunity to see a naturally occurring light show is phenomenal. Here is everything you need to know about the Northern Lights and where you can see them.

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Which States Will See the Northern Lights This Week?

With a forecasted Kp-index (which characterizes the magnitude of geomagnetic storms) of 6 on Thursday, there are a total of 17 states that have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights this week. It's expected to be seen across parts of Washington, Idaho, Vermont, Wyoming, New Hampshire, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Massachusetts, Maryland, Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York and Maine. However, other areas like Des Moines, Iowa, Indianapolis, Indiana and Chicago, Illinois may also catch a glimpse when the storm is low on the horizon. If you live in any of those areas, be prepared for a beautiful display of lights.

When Will the Northern Lights Be Visible?

The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska predicts high auroral activity on Thursday, July 13. However, both Wednesday and Thursday nights will be the best nights for viewing the Northern Lights. On Wednesday, the aurora will be low on the horizon and Thursday, the storm will be stronger and visible overhead. Depending on where you live, the aurora will be most visible on one of those nights. That being said, the majority will have the best chance on Thursday, when the storm is strongest.

  • Seattle, Washington - Wednesday night

  • Boise, Idaho - Thursday night

  • Vermont - Thursday Night

  • Cheyenne, Wyoming - Thursday night

  • New Hampshire - Thursday night

  • Montana - Thursday night

  • North Dakota - strongest chance July 10, but potentially all week

  • South Dakota - Thursday night (although areas in the north will see them sooner)

  • Minneapolis, Minnesota - Thursday night

  • Lincoln, Nebraska - Thursday night

  • Boston, Massachusetts -Wednesday night

  • Salem, Massachusetts - Thursday night

  • Annapolis, Maryland - Thursday night

  • Cleveland, Ohio - Wednesday night

  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Thursday night

  • Bay City, Michigan - Thursday night

  • New York - Thursday night

  • Maine - Thursday night

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What Is an Aurora?

An aurora is the official name for the light show in the sky. According to NASA, it is caused by the sun sending out extra energy during a solar storm. During a solar storm, called a coronal mass ejection, the sun pushes out a large gas bubble of electrified gas. With a high rate of speed, some of that energy and small particles make their way into Earth's atmosphere through the magnetic field lines at the north and south poles.

Then, when the particles mix with the gases in our atmosphere, an amazing light show takes place. We see a mix of green and red when the particles mix with oxygen and blue and purple when mixed with nitrogen.

There are actually two types of auroras based on the location. An aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, occurs in areas nearest the North Pole, whereas an aurora australis, or Southern Lights, occurs in areas nearest the South Pole.

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How To Best See an Aurora

According to Space Weather Prediction Center, auroras are best seen on a clear dark night away from city lights. You need to get to an area where you can see clearly to the North such as a hilltop without obstructions. Although you may be able to see them any time after dark, the best time of night is between 10:00 pm and midnight of your local time.

What Does Kp-Index Mean?

As explained by See The Aurora, the Kp-index is a scale used to measure the intensity of solar activity or geomagnetic disturbances. The scale ranges from 0, or quiet activity, to 9 which is an extreme storm. Storms start at an index of 5. A Kp-index of 6, which is forecasted for Thursday, means a moderate storm.

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