NOAA Tracks G1 Risk for Aurora Borealis North America Weekend
Aurora borealis north America weekend could brighten skies from northern Michigan to Maine as a fast stream of solar wind reaches Earth. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center said the flow may trigger minor G1 geomagnetic storm conditions from May 15 through May 17, with the strongest activity expected between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. EDT.
NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center
The forecast ties the chance of northern lights to a stream of solar wind from a colossal coronal hole in the sun's atmosphere. If conditions line up, the lights could reach parts of Alaska, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Maine.
That range gives the weekend forecast a broad geographic footprint, but it does not guarantee visible auroras in every location on the list. Visibility depends on cloud cover, darkness and how Earth's magnetic field responds to the incoming solar wind.
May 15 Through May 17
The strongest window runs over the next few nights, with the main activity expected between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. EDT. NOAA said elevated geomagnetic activity could continue into May 17 as the solar wind keeps buffeting Earth's magnetic field.
Daisy Dobrijevic, a Space.com writer, was identified in the provided facts as part of the reporting on the forecast. Even during strong geomagnetic storms, sightings are not guaranteed, so anyone hoping to see the lights needs clear skies and darkness during the overnight window.
