The Northern Lights may be visible overhead in regions close to Milwaukee and Minneapolis, and may be visible on the far northern horizon in regions as far south as Chicago and Indianapolis, according to the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks.Later this week, a strong solar storm may give inhabitants of the upper Midwest, including sections of Illinois and Indiana, a fantastic opportunity to see the Northern Lights.
The display might reach its zenith on Wednesday night or early Thursday. According to forecasters, “aurora activity will be high,” and displays may be seen overhead in the Midwest from Minneapolis to Milwaukee and low on the horizon between Lincoln and Indianapolis.
Kp values, which show the strength of the aurora, indicate that on Wednesday night, the scale might reach a Kp of 6, at which point it would be considered a geomagnetic storm. According to the NOAA’s solar weather forecasting service, those looking to see the Northern Lights are best served by selecting a location distant from city lights between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. For the finest view, residents should let their eyes up to 30 minutes to acclimatise to the darkness.
There is a silver lining despite the possibility of rain on Wednesday night over the upper Midwest, which would put a damper on things. According to analysts, as 2024, the apex of the 11-year solar cycle, approaches, similar displays should becoming stronger and more frequent.
The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks has forecast auroral activity on Thursday in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Indiana, Maine and Maryland.
