After a large solar flare took place Saturday, we expect to see its effects early Monday morning in the form of a currently forecasted G3 storm. Those wanting a chance to see the aurora borealis will need to stay up very late tonight, or wake up early Monday, as the KP is expected to peak at 7.0 at around 5:00 AM Monday morning.
A KP of 7 is strong enough for Pennsylvania to see the Northern Lights on the northern horizon. This forecast is per the latest update from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.
AURORA FORECASTS FOR EARLY MONDAY MORNING
Below is the latest forecast from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, which gives mainly Northern PA a chance to see aurora borealis. However, aurora is difficult to predict and often times areas just south of the red line can also see colors on the horizon, mainly through a camera lens.
Another Northern Lights Forecast, this from the University of Alaska – Fairbanks, shows a better opportunity for viewing the aurora farther south, with the southern extent line all the way down in the Carolinas.
Although wildfire smoke is not a concern tonight into Monday morning like it was last week, some pesky cloud cover from a low pressure off the Carolina coast may spoil viewing conditions in Southern PA.
PA LIGHT POLLUTION MAP
Best aurora borealis/northern lights viewing conditions will always be away from population centers. Below is a PA light pollution map. We recommend being in at least the orange, but ideally the yellow, green, or blue areas.
NORTHERN LIGHTS VIEWING CONDITIONS FORECAST
Area A: Clear skies will promote excellent aurora borealis viewing conditions early Monday morning. For best viewing conditions, we also recommend being away from population centers.
Area B: Partly cloudy to mostly cloudy skies early Monday morning, especially near I-78 and points south. Best aurora viewing conditions will be away from population centers, in areas with minimal light pollution.
Area C: Cloudy skies are expected in the pre-dawn hours of Monday, making aurora viewing conditions very poor.
Many people are fascinated by the northern lights, so don’t forget to share this article with friends and family!
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