The northern lights are expected to appear over parts of Michigan Friday night, June 5, according to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) forecast.
However, much of the state is expected to see clouds and rain, along with thunderstorms in some areas, overnight which could block visibility, according to local National Weather Service forecasts.
NOAA says a G0 geomagnetic storm, a disturbance of the Earth’s magnetic field, is expected to produce a Kp index of 4.
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 minor 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 Upper Peninsula and northern Michigan Friday night, June 5, though rain and clouds could hinder viewing chances, according to the SWPC and NWS forecasts. The aurora is typically visible to the north farther south than where it appears overhead.
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: Northern lights in Michigan forecast. What to expect Friday night
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, USA TODAY NETWORK / Detroit Free Press
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By Jenna Prestininzi, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
