By KBC Associate :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/northern-lights-2-052925-fa6bb0df9d5a4972a670fcf4c5cb02fc.jpg?ssl=1 "Here’s How to Watch the Northern Lights Again This Week")
Get ready for yet another round of auroras!
The northern lights will dazzle the skies for a second time this week, gifting stargazers in up to 17 U.S. states a glowing display they’ll never forget.
If you’re a fellow skywatcher, then chances are you’re no stranger to the uptick in geomagnetic activity. Thanks to a combination of this month’s new moon (and darker skies), the position of the Earth’s axis as we approach the summer solstice and an unexpected burst of solar flares, the aurora borealis is making a radiant resurgence, this time with even more intensity.
Originally forecasted as a mild G1 storm, NOAA has since upgraded the space weather alert to a strong G3 geomagnetic storm, giving us all even more reason to stay up late.
This geomagnetic storm is powered by high-speed solar winds streaming from the coronal hole of the sun’s atmosphere, and it’s headed straight for Earth’s magnetic field. Translation? A light show for the ages.
This means “the aurora will move further from the poles, it will become brighter and there will be more auroral activity (motion and formations). If you are in the right place, these auroras can be quite pleasing to look at,” as noted by NOAA.
Here’s how, when and where to catch a glimpse of this stunning display for a second time this week.
When will the northern lights be visible?
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After a spike in geomagnetic activity, the northern lights will light up the heavens for a second time this week between Thursday, May 29, and Saturday, May 31. To be sure, be sure to check out NOAA’s aurora viewline for reference.
Where will the northern lights be visible?
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Due to the intense solar flares, the auroras could be visible in up to 17 states.
When looking toward northern skies, 10 states — including northern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, northeast Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Maine, as noted by NOAA — will have prime views.
How to watch the northern lights?
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The best part about the northern lights? You don’t need special equipment to witness this cosmic spectacle!
Visible to the naked eye, your viewing experience depends on the weather, so be sure to head to a dark spot far from the city (preferably facing north) to watch. Avoid rain, fog or clouds that could potentially block your view.
You can also check out NOAA’s Aurora Dashboard for favorable conditions.
How to take photos of the northern lights?
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Snapping a photo of this colorful display is a must!
Still, capturing the aurora will require a bit of planning. For instance, if you’re using a smartphone, NOAA suggests turning off the flash and switching to night mode. For those with more advanced gear, experts recommend using a wide-angle lens with an aperture of f/4 or lower, setting the focus to the furthest possible to do the scene justice.