A strong geomagnetic storm is expected to hit this weekend, particularly Saturday night when KP values may near or exceed 7. This is strong enough for Pennsylvania and areas generally north of the 40° latitude line to see at least through cameras.
Weather conditions are expected to be excellent for aurora viewing, which is almost hard to believe given our luck with previous weather during natural phenomena this year. Below is a look at cloud cover at 11:00 PM Saturday, showing clear skies indicated by the white color, meaning 0% cloudiness.
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center has the southern view line for the auroras just north of I-80, however this is with the naked eye. Auroras should be visible through the camera lens well south of this line, all the way down to the Carolinas. Below is the graphic from NOAA.
The University of Alaska – Fairbanks forecast shows the northern lights being viewable slightly farther south, nearly to the Southern PA border. These events can be incredibly difficult to predict, with the first night of an event often underperforming and the last night often overperforming. Saturday night is the last night of this event. Below is the likelihood of aurora from this source.
PENNSYLVANIA LIGHT POLLUTION MAP
We recommend being in the blue or green areas for best viewing chances, but even the yellow and orange areas may have decently dark conditions away from towns.
SATURDAY NIGHT NORTHERN LIGHTS FORECAST IN PENNSYLVANIA
Area A: Clear sky conditions expected, with aurora borealis potentially viewable with the naked eye.
Area B: Clear sky conditions anticipated with aurora borealis likely viewable through cameras with long exposures.
Lots of people are fascinated by the northern lights, so don’t forget to share this article with friends and family!
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