Northern Lights Visible in 20 US States Including Michigan
On Thursday night, November 6, residents in up to 20 states, including Michigan, may witness the northern lights, weather permitting. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a strong display starting late Thursday night into early Friday morning, November 7.
When and Where to See the Northern Lights in Michigan
The aurora borealis could be visible as far south as Traverse City, Gaylord, and Alpena in Michigan. On the horizon, the northern lights may appear as far south as northern Ohio and Indiana.
Cause of the Display
Earlier solar eruptions released charged particles that interacted with Earth's magnetic field, triggering a moderate geomagnetic storm expected to move the lights farther south than usual. NOAA predicts a G3 geomagnetic storm, a significant global disturbance in Earth's magnetic environment.
"A G3 geomagnetic storm, a worldwide disturbance of the Earth's magnetic field, is expected to produce a Kp index of 7."
The Kp index, which measures geomagnetic storm severity, ranges from 0 to 9. Levels of 5 or higher typically indicate a chance to see the northern lights in Michigan and surrounding regions.
Additional Viewing Information
- The northern lights may also be visible again on Friday night, November 7.
- The view will be best during late-night hours when the sky is darkest.
"Kp is an index used to indicate the severity of the global magnetic disturbances in near-Earth space."
This week’s aurora borealis opportunity offers a rare chance for many U.S. residents to experience this spectacular natural light show further south than usual.
Author's summary: A strong geomagnetic storm this week shines a rare chance for people in twenty states, including Michigan, to see the northern lights farther south than usual during late November nights.