Wisconsinites have been treated to multiple displays of northern lights this week, as strong geomagnetic storms have led aurora borealis to light up the night sky across the northern United States.
Though the aurora does occasionally appear in Wisconsin, it’s rare to see a display as dazzling and widespread as Nov. 11 and 12.
Here’s how to track the aurora forecast in Wisconsin and ensure you don’t miss the next display:
What causes northern lights to become visible in Wisconsin?
Northern lights are caused by an interaction between the sun’s solar wind and the Earth’s magnetic field, according to NASA. When the energy from this interaction is released, it can trigger a geomagnetic storm which leads to aurora displays on Earth.
The northern lights are typically only are viewable in the uppermost areas of the Northern Hemisphere. But when a storm is strong enough, you can also see the lights in the northern United States, including Wisconsin.
Northern lights forecast tools
The Space Weather Prediction Center has two tools you can use to track northern lights forecasts:
Even when there’s a strong geomagnetic storm, cloudy conditions may obscure your view of the northern lights. Make sure to check the weather forecast in your area to determine if the aurora will be visible.
You can find the National Weather Service’s forecast pages for Wisconsin cities at the links below:
What is the best time to see the northern lights?
The northern lights are typically best “within an hour or two” of midnight, meaning you should keep an eye out between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., per the SWPC.
You should also head away from city lights and seek out high vantage points for a better view. You can find more viewing tips from the SWPC at swpc.noaa.gov/content/tips-viewing-aurora.
Best places in Wisconsin to see the northern lights
Here’s a list of places in Wisconsin that could offer some of the best views of the night sky:
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How to track the aurora borealis forecast in Wisconsin
Reporting by Maia Pandey and Cailey Gleeson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
