NEED TO KNOW
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A fading geomagnetic storm may still allow northern lights visibility in higher latitudes through late Tuesday, May 5
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The aurora borealis is best viewed in dark, rural areas away from city lights for vivid colors and clarity
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NOAA recommends using real-time aurora forecasts or space-weather apps to track conditions for optimal viewing opportunities
A fading geomagnetic storm is leaving behind a glimmering glow, and if you’re in the right location this evening, you could still catch a glimpse of the northern lights!
For reference, the aurora borealis (northern lights) are a result of geomagnetic storms, which occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating brilliant waves of light in the sky. Still, their visibility depends on several factors, including intensity and location.
According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, Earth is still experiencing the lingering effects of a moderate (G2) geomagnetic storm triggered by a coronal mass ejection that passed on May 4.
While solar activity has since weakened, forecasters note that active conditions — with isolated G1 to G2 storm levels — could persist into Thursday, May 5, creating a brief window for aurora visibility at higher latitudes.
That said, this cosmic event won’t last long, as activity is expected to settle into quieter levels by late Tuesday, May 5 into Wednesday, May 6, per NOAA’s forecast discussion.
In the meantime, read on for everything you need to know about this stellar event.
When will the northern lights be visible?
Aurora Borealis
Credit: Alex Nicodim/Anadolu via Getty
The best chance to catch the northern lights is during the late-night hours on Tuesday, May 5, when geomagnetic activity may still reach active to minor storm levels, according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center
Visibility tends to peak closer to local midnight, when skies are darkest and auroral activity is more pronounced.
Where will the northern lights be visible?
Aurora Borealis
Credit: SERGEI GAPON/AFP via Getty
Aurora sightings are most likely at higher latitudes, including parts of Canada, Alaska and the northern U.S., where geomagnetic conditions are strongest.
Per forecasts from NOAA, visibility farther south will be limited unless conditions intensify unexpectedly, making darker, rural skies essential for any chance of spotting the glow.
How to watch the northern lights?
The northern lights
Credit: Getty
The key is to head to a dark location away from city lights, so you can get a clear view of the northern sky.
The darker your surroundings, the more vivid the aurora colors will appear. Remember to also keep tabs on real-time conditions using NOAA’s 30-minute aurora forecast and space-weather apps that track solar wind and magnetic field changes.
How to photograph the northern lights?
Northern Lights
Credit: Lorenzo Di Cola/NurPhoto via Getty
The best part about capturing the aurora borealis? You don’t need professional gear to make it happen. Sure, it helps, but it isn’t necessary.
To photograph the northern lights, you’ll want to keep your setup as steady as possible, because auroras are best captured with long exposures.
If you do happen to have a smartphone handy, that works just fine. All you have to do is head to your device’s settings and tap the “Night Mode” option or “Pro Mode” with similar exposure times.
Read the original article on People