NOAA Forecasts Kp 4 Northern Lights Across 8 U.S. States Saturday
Updated
Updated · Forbes · May 16
NOAA Forecasts Kp 4 Northern Lights Across 8 U.S. States Saturday
6 articles · Updated · Forbes · May 16
A Kp index of 4 is expected Saturday night, giving parts of eight northern U.S. states a low chance to see the aurora borealis.
NOAA’s visibility map covers northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, northern Montana, much of North Dakota, northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula; much of Alaska has better odds.
A new moon should improve viewing conditions, and NOAA says 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. is typically the best window for auroral activity.
Sunday’s outlook weakens to Kp 3 with fewer states in range, and NOAA has not forecast geomagnetic storm impacts that can intensify displays.
The modest showing fits a broader fade in aurora activity after the sun’s 11-year cycle peaked in 2024.
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