2024 has proven to be an exceptional year for viewing the Aurora Borealis, and tonight’s solar storm is expected to enhance that experience in Western Washington. This year’s displays have reached as far south as Tucson, Arizona, promising a beautiful show of greens and purples across the Pacific Northwest. Despite partly cloudy skies over Puget Sound, conditions are relatively favorable for viewing.
Why Are the Northern Lights More Visible This Year?
The increased visibility of the Northern Lights is due to an 11-year cycle of heightened solar activity. Unlike previous cycles when smartphones and social media were less prevalent, today, news of aurora sightings spreads rapidly online, allowing more people to capture these stunning displays with their cameras.
Tonight’s Aurora Forecast
The solar storm affecting us tonight is rated G4, with a Kp index between 8 and 9, indicating a strong geomagnetic storm. Similar storms have previously resulted in spectacular displays, and we can expect a similar experience tonight. For the best viewing, find a spot away from city lights, look to the north, and use your camera to capture the vibrant colors in the night sky.
Understanding the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights originate from the Sun, where sunspots can erupt in a solar storm, releasing energy in the form of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These bursts travel towards Earth, typically arriving in three to five days, although some can reach us in as little as 15 to 18 hours. Once they interact with our atmosphere, they create a geomagnetic storm, leading to the beautiful auroras.
How Are Solar Storms Rated?
The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) of NOAA monitors solar flares and geomagnetic storms using a scale similar to those for hurricanes. The Kp index ranges from 0 (calm) to 9 (extreme storm). Higher Kp values correlate with more intense auroras; for instance, Kp4 might show pinks and Kp8 can include reds.
G5 storms, the highest on the scale, are rare but can cause significant disruptions to power grids and GPS systems. The last major G5 event was in May 2024, leading to auroras visible as far south as California and Florida.
What Do the Colors of the Aurora Mean?
- Green: The most common color, resulting from oxygen in the lower atmosphere.
- Red: Often seen in higher latitudes, visible only during intense storms.
- Blue and Purple: Rare and usually appear during stronger storms, caused by ionized nitrogen.
Tips for Spotting the Aurora Borealis
To increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights:
- Find a Remote Location: Avoid light pollution from cities.
- Check the Weather: Clear, starry skies are ideal.
- Look for a New Moon: A full moon can hinder visibility.
- Look North: The auroras are predominantly visible in the northern sky.
SkunkBayWeather.com regularly captures the Northern Lights from its location on the Kitsap Peninsula. While geomagnetic storms can vary in strength, recent storms have allowed many to see vibrant colors typically reserved for higher latitudes, particularly during the spectacular displays of May 2024.
Don’t forget to use your camera, as it can capture colors that may not be visible to the naked eye!
