https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/541339694_1356960986429792_229268599074562758_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p720x720_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=IlBghQuuZ5gQ7kNvwH8X1G4&_nc_oc=AdlBrX32RRSNntMqAd4coP09xePdI82UdbYzgDV35raDVp5D0D1Ybk7GALCVyp-ooro&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&edm=AKK4YLsEAAAA&_nc_gid=1T3X9CjXgUCE8St9YNv8qw&oh=00_AfVx_8cb2zAekKnz9lMv55K_ufef-hWTEJtDIuDWPl9npQ&oe=68BA986BAURORA CHANCE: It has been quite a while since we chatted about the chance to see the northern lights, but we have a chance Monday night into Tuesday. A Geomagnetic storm resulting from a coronal mass ejection is expected to arrive at Earth tomorrow. The current forecast would suggest only photographic visibility is possible here, but if the storm comes in any stronger it could enhance our chances!
A few friendly reminders for you:
1. Space Weather – It is is EXTREMELY fickle. While we may have an estimated time frame, these storms do not follow a schedule. The speed and intensity will dictate what happens.
2. K-Index – This is NOT the only tool you should refer to! So many times we hear that “K-Index = the gospel” and that is simply not true. It can be a guide, but we also have to watch proton levels and solar winds. So, be careful of what you see!
3. Photography – Remember, put yourself away from city lights! Find a dark spot with a clear view of the northern horizon! This will help when combined with your long exposure/night mode setting on cameras to capture the colors. Our eyes are not able to see the full color during photographic auroras, thus the need for cameras. Your smartphones can work too, especially newer models! Turn up the exposure and allow for the night mode setting to be turned on.
Let’s see how this comes together over the next 24 hours! A faster or slower arrival of the storm could alter the viewing changes significantly. The sun is over 90 million miles away, so modeling is tricky and can be inconsistent. Imagine trying to track a thunderstorm down to an exact science from that far away moving at a variable speed. It’s tricky! – 5:30 PM 8/31/25