The northern lights are expected to appear over much of Michigan Thursday night, June 4, according to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) forecast.
SWPC’s dashboard map shows that Michiganders as far south as Forestville, Bay City and Silver Lake could see the shimmering lights in the night sky, NOAA says. The forecast map shows the phenomenon overhead as far south as the northern Lower Peninsula, meaning they could be visible to the north as far south Ohio and Indiana.
Much of the Upper Peninsula and northern Michigan could see clouds and rain overnight, likely to block visibility, according to local NWS forecasts.
NOAA says a G3 geomagnetic storm, a disturbance of the Earth’s magnetic field, is expected to produce a Kp index of 7.
Kp is an index used to indicate the severity of the global magnetic disturbances in near-Earth space, NOAA said. Kp ratings range from zero to 9.
NOAA is predicting moderate geomagnetic storm impacts.
Here’s what to know about the northern lights forecast.
When could the northern lights be visible?
The northern lights could appear overhead across the U.P., northern Michigan and mid-Michigan Thursday night, June 4, according to the SWPC. The aurora is typically visible to the north farther south than where it appears overhead, meaning all of Michigan may be able to see some of the aurora.
What are the northern lights?
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are waves of light created when the solar wind strikes the atmosphere, creating a display in the night sky.
Auroras typically appear in a range of colors, including greens, pinks and reds, often featuring several shades of these colors.
Why do the northern lights have different colors?
The color of the aurora depends on which gas is being excited by the electrons and on how much energy is being exchanged, NASA said.
Oxygen emits either a greenish-yellow light (the most familiar color of the aurora) or a red light; nitrogen generally gives off a blue light. The oxygen and nitrogen molecules also emit ultraviolet light, which can only be detected by special cameras on satellites.
Where’s the best place to see the northern lights in Michigan?
To enjoy best views of the aurora, consider a trip to one of northern Michigan’s dark sky areas. Here are a few places to check out:
Can’t see the northern lights? Use your phone
If you’re having trouble seeing the northern lights with the naked eye, try using your phone camera in night mode and hold still while capturing the photo. You might be surprised at what’s dancing in the sky.
The Lansing State Journal contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Solar storm could mean northern lights over Michigan. What to expect
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, USA TODAY NETWORK / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jenna Prestininzi, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
