Skywatchers in Virginia and elsewhere are making plans to take in a potential aurora tonight that may be visible for much of the northern United States.
Those who chase the Northern Lights may not sleep tonight as they look to capture the pink, purple, green and blue hues in the sky this evening or early Tuesday morning.
Experts suggest taking a nap and charging camera batteries to prepare this afternoon.
Predictions are that peak viewing times could start as early as 6 p.m. although typically auroras are best viewed between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Space.com predicts the optimal time will be between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.
The NOAA recommends that views find a spot away from cities or other lights with a clear view of the northern sky.
While expectations are high, there is always the potential for numbers not to reach what is predicted; it all depends on the magnetic orientation when the coronal mass ejection hits Earth.
According to Space.com, if the CME’s magnetic field is aligned southward, known as Bz, it can link up with the Earth’s magnetic field, fueling geomagnetic storms. If it’s oriented northward, the show may not materialize at all.
Bundle up: Frigid weather predicted
If you plan to go out, one thing is certain: it’s going to be cold.
“Those venturing outside to look for the northern lights need to dress warmly,” said Thomas Kines, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather. “Temperatures will fall into the 20s early tonight and end up in the teens later tonight.
“There is likely to be a breeze early tonight that will make it feel 10 degrees colder.”
The good news: Kines said it should be mainly clear for viewing tonight and Tuesday night though patchy clouds are possible early tonight.
Pages to follow
- NOAA aurora forecast
- NASA’s guide to finding and photographing auroras
- Virginia Northern Lights on Facebook group
- Live Storm Chasers on Facebook
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Crystal Graham
