Northern Lights Visible in 20 US States Including Michigan
Residents in up to 20 states could see the northern lights on Thursday night, November 6th, weather permitting. Michigan is expected to have a strong aurora display during this period.
When and Where to Watch
The aurora may be visible from late Thursday night into the early morning of Friday, November 7th, with a chance of visibility again Friday night. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that the northern lights could be seen farther south than usual.
Visibility in Michigan and Surrounding Areas
In Michigan, the aurora could appear overhead as far south as Traverse City, Gaylord, and Alpena. On the horizon, viewers might spot the lights as far south as northern Ohio and Indiana.
Geomagnetic Storm Prediction
NOAA forecasts a moderate geomagnetic storm caused by solar eruptions earlier in the week, which sent charged particles toward Earth’s magnetic field.
"A G3 geomagnetic storm, a worldwide disturbance of the Earth's magnetic field, is expected to produce a Kp index of 7."
The Kp index measures the severity of geomagnetic disturbances, rated from 0 to 9. Usually, a Kp of 5 or higher means the northern lights may be visible in Michigan.
Summary
This week offers an excellent chance to witness the aurora borealis across much of the U.S., including a potentially striking display in Michigan due to increased geomagnetic activity.
Author's Summary: Michigan and up to 20 states may witness bright northern lights on November 6-7, driven by a moderate geomagnetic storm pushing the aurora further south than usual.