Aurora Forecast: Will the Northern Lights Grace Your Skies?
Are you eagerly anticipating a glimpse of the mesmerizing Northern Lights? Wondering if an aurora forecast predicts a show in your area this week? While the federal government’s official aurora-tracking tool, the Aurora Viewline, is currently experiencing technical difficulties, you don’t have to miss out! USA TODAY’s interactive map provides a reliable alternative to help you pinpoint potential viewing locations over the next few nights.
Aurora Viewline Offline – What’s Happening?
The Aurora Viewline, operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), temporarily stopped displaying forecasts earlier this month due to underlying data issues, as reported by the Tallahassee Democrat, part of the USA TODAY Network. Mike Bettwy, Operations Chief for NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, informed USA TODAY on April 16th that they anticipate restoring the service within the next several days.
How to Track the Aurora Now
While NOAA works to bring the Aurora Viewline back online, here are several ways to determine if an aurora borealis display will be visible near you:
- USA TODAY’s Interactive Map: This map provides real-time data and predictions, offering a valuable resource when the official tool is unavailable.
- Geomagnetic Storm Watch: Bettwy indicated a “moderate” chance of auroral visibility across the northern tier states due to a G2 geomagnetic storm watch in effect for April 17th and 18th.
- NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center: Stay updated with the latest information from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.
Prime Viewing Opportunities
According to previous USA TODAY reporting and NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, the aurora forecast suggests the most intense displays were expected on Thursday, April 16th, and Friday, April 17th. If skies are clear, residents of the following 18 states may have been treated to a spectacular show:
- Alaska
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Illinois
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Don’t let a temporary outage keep you from experiencing the magic of the Northern Lights! Utilize the resources available and keep an eye on the skies. Remember to check the aurora forecast regularly for the latest updates.
Contributing: Cheryl McCloud, Florida Connect
