{"id":151379,"date":"2025-06-02T06:10:12","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T06:10:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/151379\/"},"modified":"2025-06-02T06:10:12","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T06:10:12","slug":"northern-lights-in-mn-wildfire-smoke-could-make-the-aurora-difficult-to-see","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/151379\/","title":{"rendered":"Northern Lights in MN: Wildfire smoke could make the aurora difficult to see"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Freckle-like Freckle-like sunspots visible, Northern Lights tonight<\/a> <\/p>\n

Wildfire smoke is acting as a sun filter, making cool and dark regions on the sun’s surface more visible. These freckle-like sunspots are also creating opportunities to view the Northern Lights on Sunday night, but the hazy air could obstruct the view.<\/p>\n

(FOX 9)<\/strong> – The Northern Lights<\/a> are expected to be visible Sunday night, but haze from wildfire smoke<\/a> might spoil the show for Minnesota.<\/p>\n

Northern Lights forecast <\/p>\n

What we know:<\/p>\n

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a severe (G4) level geomagnetic storm on Sunday evening. Geomagnetic storms are what fuel the aurora and a G4 is the second-strongest level of storm.<\/p>\n

The NOAA forecast shows the aurora could be visible as far south as central Iowa.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Northern lights in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, on Oct. 10, 2024. (Photo submitted by Danny) (Supplied)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Best viewing times for the aurora <\/p>\n

What’s next:<\/p>\n

Typically, the best times to view the aurora are around the midnight hour. It appears that’s about the time the storm will be at its strongest in the overnight hours.<\/p>\n

\"\" Smoke will likely hamper aurora visibility <\/p>\n

The other side:<\/p>\n

Unfortunately for Minnesota, smoke from wildfires burning in Canada has made skies hazy across the state, and particularly in areas to the north.<\/p>\n

While it might not be impossible to see the aurora, FOX 9 meteorologist Ian Leonard compares it to a foggy morning. He says it is worth taking a look in your area, to see if you can spot anything, but it’s probably not worth traveling a far distance to seek out the aurora.<\/p>\n

Much of Minnesota is under an unhealthy air quality alert due to smoke.<\/p>\n

\"\" Tips for viewing the Northern Lights<\/strong> <\/p>\n

What you can do:<\/p>\n

The NOAA recommends the following tips for the best chance to see the Northern Lights.<\/p>\n