GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Prediction Center released the next three nights Aurora forecast and it looks possible for Michiganders to see this incredible phenomena all three nights. This particular event could extend as far south as the upper Midwest, stretching along and north of the Idaho to New York state lines.
A minor (G1) to moderate (G2) geomagnetic storm is likely tonight, Wednesday night and Thursday night. This means we could be on the edge of viewing the northern lights with tonight and Thursday night looking to feature slightly higher chances than Wednesday night.
FORECAST
The forecast for Tuesday night is more favorable for viewing the aurora generally along the northern horizon.
The forecast for Wednesday night is less favorable.
Auroras are known for their green, red and purple hues in the night sky. They are created from coronal mass ejections or an eruption of solar material from the sun, that travels to Earth's atmosphere.
The Kp value is forecast to range from 5 to 6. According to NOAA, when Kp values range from 5 to 6 the aurora will move further from the poles and be visible in the northern edge of the United States, including in Michigan.
LOCATION
The further north you travel in the state of Michigan, the more vibrant the lights will be.
This map, from the Space Weather Prediction Center, shows how the Kp and G index correlate to how far south the northern lights could be visible.
TIMING
The aurora will be visible at night and best viewed in dark skies away from city lights. The best timeframe is typically from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., but it is possible to see the lights anytime after sunset to before sunrise.
FORECAST
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy in our northern counties to mostly clear in our southern counties. Low 57°.
Tuesday Night
Clear and milder. Low 57°.
Wednesday Night
Clear and mild. Low 59°.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy and mild. Low 60°.
