Northern Lights Aurora Borealis Forecast: The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are one of nature’s most magical displays. These colorful lights appear in the night sky, caused by geomagnetic storms coming from the sun. On Friday night, September 15, the Northern Lights may be visible in many parts of Canada, Alaska, and even parts of the United States. If you’re lucky enough to live in one of the right areas, you could witness this amazing event.
Where Can You See the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are difficult to predict, but the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted where the Aurora Borealis might appear this Friday night. The best spots to catch the lights are in northern Canada and Alaska. In the United States, people in several states could get a view of the lights if they are lucky.
States where the lights might be visible include:
- Washington
- Idaho
- Montana
- Wyoming
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Nebraska
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- Maine
- Northern New York
To get the best view, you’ll need to travel away from city lights and other sources of light pollution. Darker areas will provide clearer views of the Northern Lights.
When Is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are most active between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., so this is the best time to keep an eye on the sky. It’s important to check the weather, too. Clear skies will improve your chances of seeing the lights. If it’s cloudy or rainy, the lights will be harder to spot. A higher vantage point, like a hilltop, can also give you a better view of the sky.
How to Photograph the Northern Lights
Capturing the Northern Lights on your smartphone is easier than you might think. Modern phone cameras are sensitive enough to pick up the lights, even if they’re faint or invisible to the naked eye. A great tip is to turn on your phone’s night mode to increase exposure and brightness. This will help your camera capture the lights more clearly.
If you have a professional camera, even better. Use a tripod to keep the camera steady and set a longer exposure time to capture the best photo. You may need to experiment with settings, but the results are usually stunning.
What Causes the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are caused by solar activity. The sun goes through a cycle called Solar Cycle 25, which lasts about 11 years. During this cycle, the sun becomes more active, releasing solar winds and storms that interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these storms reach the Earth, they create the beautiful light display known as the Aurora Borealis.
Solar Cycle 25 started in December 2019 and is expected to peak between 2024 and 2026. Scientists predict that as the cycle reaches its peak, we will see more frequent and intense displays of the Northern Lights. However, predicting the exact timing of these storms is difficult.
Why Are There More Geomagnetic Storms Lately?
We are currently in the middle of Solar Cycle 25, and this cycle has been more active than scientists first expected. These storms originate from sunspots on the sun’s surface. The more sunspots there are, the more likely it is we’ll see geomagnetic storms. It is believed that there will be about 115 sunspots at the peak of the cycle. With more sunspots forming, there could be more chances to see the Northern Lights over the next few years.
Even though we haven’t reached the peak of Solar Cycle 25 yet, the sun’s activity has already been busier than scientists predicted. This means we may continue to see more displays of the Northern Lights leading up to 2026.
Conclusion: Get Ready for the Show
If you’re in the right place on Friday night, you might be treated to one of the most beautiful natural displays in the world. The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, will be visible in many parts of Canada, Alaska, and several northern U.S. states. Make sure to head out between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. for the best chance to see the lights. Avoid city lights and find a dark place with a clear view of the sky.
Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the moment! Turn on night mode to increase exposure, and you’ll be able to take amazing photos of the Northern Lights.
With more solar activity expected in the coming years, this may just be the start of a long stretch of incredible aurora sightings. So keep your eyes on the sky!
