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Cast your eyes to the sky, because you might just be in for a treat! Seattle could be getting a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights this week (again), and here’s what to to know.
The Aurora borealis have been an unexpectedly hot topic this week as geomagnetic storms have caused an uptick in activity.
According to the map posted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Seattle might be close enough to spot some Northern Lights activity on Monday, September 16th and Tuesday, September 17th.
When’s the best time to see the lights?
According to the NOAA, “Aurora can often be observed somewhere on Earth just after sunset or just before sunrise. The aurora is not visible during daylight hours.”
The University of Alaska Fairbanks says that the best odds of seeing the lights are between 9 PM and 3 AM. However, when we experienced them back in July, The Seattle Waterfront Association suggested that “Auroras are best seen between the onset of darkness and 2 AM when the night sky is darkest.”
As per the University’s website, “Auroral activity will be high(++). Weather permitting, highly active auroral displays will be visible overhead from Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit, to Portland OR, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Springfield, and New York City, and visible low on the horizon as far south as Carson City, Oklahoma City, and Raleigh.”
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has also confirmed that “Periods of G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storms are likely” on Monday, September 16th.
Periods of G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storms are likely on 16 Sep 2024 due to coronal hole influences and the anticipated arrival of a CME associated with an X4.5 flare at 14/1529 UTC from AR3825. pic.twitter.com/fIZTRhwkej
— NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) September 14, 2024
Where can you see them?
Earlier this summer we were treated to a G4 Geometric Storm, which led to some really intense light shows.
While this one won’t be as strong, we’re all for taking a chance! So if you happen to be somewhere with limited light pollution, it’s worth taking a peek.
The Seattle Waterfront Association suggests looking for “an unobstructed view of the northern horizon shielded from city lights.” Some places that they recommend within a 10-mile radius of the Seattle city center are Golden Gardens Park, Carkeek Park, and Discovery Park.
Weather forecast for Seattle
According to the National Weather Service, Seattle is expecting a low of 53 °F and some clouds on Monday night, with rain and a low of 58 °F on Tuesday night. We’re no experts, but we think Monday is a safer shot unless you’re able to get out of the city and dodge the rain on Tuesday!
It’s hardly a sure thing but aren’t the best experiences usually a gamble? We hope you can catch some magic in the skies tonight!
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Alicia Lyons
Branded Content Writer
Alicia is a storyteller who chased the sun all the way to Calgary and decided to stay. When she’s not crafting killer content, she can be found stumbling along nature trails, curling under a fuzzy blanket with a good book, or finding any excuse to eat.
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