The entire state of Michigan could witness the stunning Northern Lights display later this week, according to predictions from the Space Weather Prediction Center. The aurora borealis, typically seen in higher latitudes, is expected to reach as far south as Alabama on Thursday and Friday nights, potentially offering a spectacular view for Michiganders.
Current forecasts suggest that Friday night will provide the best opportunity to catch the Northern Lights, especially in the Upper Peninsula. However, the aurora may still be visible across the state on both Thursday and Friday. The anticipated light show is fueled by a severe solar storm caused by a coronal mass ejection (CME), which began on Tuesday evening. CMEs are bursts of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, and can trigger geomagnetic storms when they reach Earth.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a G-4 severe geomagnetic storm alert, a designation last seen in May, when the Northern Lights lit up skies across Michigan, including Detroit. That alert marked the first severe geomagnetic storm watch since January 2005.
As the potential aurora approaches, weather conditions will play a crucial role in visibility. Thursday’s forecast calls for clear skies in Detroit, while cloud cover could move in on Friday, potentially obstructing the view. For the best chance of seeing the lights, head to a dark area away from city lights. Northern Michigan tends to offer darker skies with less light pollution, enhancing the visibility of the aurora.
The Northern Lights are typically most prominent around midnight. As the viewing time draws near, a 30-minute aurora forecast can help determine the best locations. Even if the aurora is not visible to the naked eye, try using a smartphone camera in night mode to capture it, as many did during May’s storm.
Stay tuned for updates on the storm and sky conditions as the week progresses to make the most of this rare celestial event.
