Upstate New York might get a front-row seat to one of nature’s most mesmerizing shows tonight: the northern lights.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G3, strong, geomagnetic storm alert for Thursday night, Nov. 6, into Friday morning.
The storm could light up the sky with hues usually reserved for the Arctic Circle, but this time nearly half of the continental U.S. may get a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis, from as far south as parts of Nebraska, Wyoming, Pennsylvania and right here in New York’s Hudson Valley.
Tonight’s storm is powered by solar activity that has sent a surge of energy hurtling toward Earth. With a Kp index of 7 out of 9, the event ranks as a strong geomagnetic storm, capable of pushing the auroral oval much farther south than usual.
Upstate skies could be partly to mostly cloudy around 10 p.m., but don’t give up hope — the aurora can often shine through thin cloud cover. The best time to look is around midnight, when the storm is expected to peak, according to the NOAA, though earlier sightings are possible.
Meteorologist Eric Snitil predicts prime viewing in northern New York, especially near Plattsburgh, Rouses Point, and the eastern Adirondacks. The Catskills and Hudson Valley could also get a show if the clouds cooperate.
So bundle up, find a dark spot away from city lights, and keep your eyes on the northern horizon. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch Earth’s magnetic shield turning solar chaos into celestial art.
For an updated aurora forecast, visit NOAA’s website or their Facebook page for the Space Weather Prediction Center.
Where is the best place to see the northern lights?
Head into the darkness if you want the best chance to see the neon skies. Avoid as much light pollution as possible and find a clear view of the horizon facing north. Popular spots include dark sky territory like the Adirondacks and clear horizons like Lake Ontario or Northern New York bordering Lake Champlain.
When will the northern lights appear?
Predicting when and where the lights will be visible is not an easy task. The NOAA says the best aurora is usually within an hour or two of midnight, between 10 PM and 2 AM local time, but can appear any time after sunset or sunrise.
In some areas, the lights may appear to the naked eye as ribbons of light. You may need a camera to see the colors, so make sure to point your lens to the sky.
How can I photograph the northern lights?
You don’t need an expensive camera to capture the auroras. Visit Iceland, a popular northern lights viewing destination, offers tips to capturing the event with your smartphone. They suggest putting your phone in night mode and adjusting the exposure time if possible to 10-15 seconds to fully capture the sky. A tripod is also helpful to keep your phone steady and your lens in focus.
