GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — If you didn't get the chance to catch the Northern Lights last week, another opportunity may be possible for the next two nights.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Prediction Center released the next three nights Aurora forecast indicating that Monday and Tuesday night both have a moderate to high chance for Northern Light activity in West Michigan.
Tonight could be the highest chance of seeing the Aurora as periods of a G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm is likely. Tuesday night is a slightly lower chance at a G2 (moderate). Both of these scenarios would allow the entire state could potentially see the lights.
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 be a 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 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
Clear skies continue this week bringing us plenty of sunshine during the day and perfect viewing conditions for the northern lights tonight. The only damper could be that we do have a full moon, which will create some light pollution.
Monday Night
Mostly clear and mild. Low 56°. Winds E-SE at 4-8 mph.
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear and mild. Low 57°. Winds E 4-8 mph.
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