Northern Lights Viewing Opportunity on Thanksgiving Week Friday

Residents of several northern U.S. states have a rare opportunity to view the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) on Friday night, November 29, 2024. This celestial display might be one of the last chances to catch the lights this season before they move further north.

Key Details on the Viewing Opportunity

1. Aurora Activity Forecast:
   • NOAA predicts a Kp index of 3.67, indicating “quiet” aurora activity, with simple arcs visible at high latitudes.
   • There’s a slight chance for a solar radiation storm in the next few days, which could enhance the brightness and intensity of the aurora.
2. Impact of Solar Maximum:
   • The sun is in its solar maximum phase, the most active period of its 11-year cycle, increasing the likelihood of auroras. This cycle is expected to continue through 2024 and potentially into 2025.
3. Viewing Locations:
   • Best visibility will be in parts of:
     • Washington
     • Idaho
     • Montana
     • North Dakota
     • South Dakota
     • Minnesota
     • Michigan
     • Wisconsin

Best Practices for Viewing the Aurora

• Timing:
  The best hours are between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. local time.
• Location:
  • Seek dark, open spaces far from city lights for optimal visibility.
  • Ensure an unobstructed view facing north.

Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights

• With a Camera:
  • Use a wide aperture and set the focus to infinity.
  • Adjust the ISO to a high setting (e.g., 800 or above).
  • Use a tripod to stabilize the shot during long exposure.
• With a Smartphone:
  • Activate night mode or manual settings.
  • Use the widest aperture setting available.
  • Keep the phone steady using a tripod or stable surface.

Why This Matters

This may be one of the final opportunities to view the aurora from the U.S. in 2024 before solar activity causes the lights to shift further north. For those in the right regions, it’s an incredible natural phenomenon not to be missed. Happy viewing! 🌌