Another chance to spot the northern lights from the United States is here, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's latest forecast
- The northern lights are expected to be visible in parts of the United States starting on Nov. 7.
- This is due to a minor geomagnetic storm, making the aurora borealis visible in the U.S.
- Alaska will have the best view of the lights, but other states in the continental U.S. will also be able to see them.
You might not have to book that trip to Iceland after all!
While Nordic countries are undoubtedly considered the best places in the world to spot the northern lights, the awe-inspiring aurora borealis may be visible this month from your own backyard right here in the United States.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts, the spectacular display of colorful lights are predicted to radiate the night sky due to a potential geomagnetic storm that may occur in the first few weeks of November.
On Nov. 4, NOAA posted a minor geomagnetic storm watch (G1) for Thursday, Nov. 7. A storm of this capacity would likely prompt "manageable effects," the organization reported, with the addition of visible auroras in specific parts of the U.S.
On Nov. 6, NOAA reported that a strong solar flare (R3) erupted from the sun and peaked at 8:40am ET. The organization considered flares of that magnitude "generally not common," but also "not necessarily unusual" either.
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center posted an update on Nov. 7, sharing a three-day model of the intensity of the auroras heading into the weekend. If you'd like to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis, continue to check back as they continue to monitor its location and degree of visibility.
Spotting the northern lights in the United States is rare, but the phenomenon has happened several times in the past few months. Most recently, parts of the East Coast — including New Jersey and New York — were treated to a breathtaking display of colors, lighting up the night sky in October.
While experiencing the incredible sight with your own eyes is incomparable, smartphones have been proven to capture the scene. Users just have to switch on their camera's "Night Mode" toggle, point their devices to the sky and simply snap away!
Here's what to know about November's northern lights, including when and how to spot them.
When will the northern lights be visible?
The northern lights are expected to be visible in parts of the United States starting on Nov. 7. There's a chance to spot the auroras in the days that follow, but NOAA advises checking its forecasting "viewline" site for the most accurate updates.
The best times to point your eyes to the sky are between 7-10 p.m. EST, 6-9 p.m. CST, 5-8 p.m. MST and 4-7 p.m. PST. Of course, the quality of the display is dependent upon the weather and clear skies.
The northern lights have a predicted Kp index of five on the NOAA scale of magnitude for geomagnetic storms. "If you are in the right place, these aurora can be quite pleasing to look at," the organization notes.
Where will the northern lights be visible?
This round of northern lights will best be viewed in Alaska, which has the highest likelihood of aurora visibility and is the only state in the red zone. This indicates its increased likelihood of colorful displaysf, per NOAA's forecast.
Other states that have potential viewing opportunities include parts of Washington, Montana, Idaho, North Dakota, Minnesota and Michigan — while South Dakota, Wisconsin and Maine have the lowest chances of seeing an aurora.
How to watch the northern lights?
The best part about the northern lights? No technology is needed to spot them from Earth, just your naked eye!
While this is a positive, there are unfortunately several factors out of our control (we're looking at you, Mother Nature!). Clear nights are preferred for the best views; however, there's always the unpredictable possibility of fog and clouds that will drown out the display.
Furthermore, sky watches don't have to worry about the full moon washing out the lights' display either because November's lunation doesn't reach peak fullness until Nov. 15. Currently, the moon is in its waxing crescent phase and is 18% illuminated.
How to take photos of the northern lights?
If you don't capture post a photo of the northern lights on Instagram, did it really happen? Fortunately, smartphones have the advanced technological capability to capture it on camera so you can remember the phenomenon forever!
All you have to do is put your phone in "Night Mode." In fact, this setting can oftentimes pick up the northern lights even when they’re not visible to the naked eye!
Authorities in Iceland have shared a few tips on how to best capture the northern lights. According to the site, photographers should use a tripod, which is “essential for long exposures in low light;” lock your phone’s focus to the “infinity” setting; do not use a flash; and consider apps like Northern Lights Photo Taker, NightCap Camera, ProCamera and Slow Shutter for iOS, and for Android, ProCam X Lite.