A strong geomagnetic storm means that there is a good chance you’ll catch the northern lights tonight in New Hampshire and Maine.
“The G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm watch remains in effect for tonight, June 1st (EDT), as CME passage continues,” the Space Weather Prediction Center said in a 2 p.m. alert on June 1. “There are indications that the coronal mass ejection (CME) passage is weakening, but the solar wind conditions remain elevated, therefore additional periods of G3-G4 (Strong-Severe) levels remain possible. However, we now anticipate that conditions should weaken enough by tomorrow evening, June 2nd (EDT), that G1 (Minor) storm levels is the most likely peak response.”
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center prediction map is showing that all of New Hampshire and Maine have a chance of seeing the lights tonight, no matter where you live in the state (though the further north, the better the odds.)
The question is, will the weather cooperate? AccuWeather is currently forecasting partly cloudy skies tonight so cloud cover certainly could hamper viewing. But AccuWeather also notes in its forecast for Portsmouth tonight that “conditions may be favorable for viewing the northern lights.”
The sun is currently at solar maximum, according to NASA, the peak of activity in its natural cycle, which is creating more opportunities to see the northern lights.
Here’s what to know.
Can the northern lights be seen tonight?
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) aurora forecast, the northern lights may be viewable in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and even parts of Connecticut and Rhode Island.
The Northern Lights could be visible in large portions of the U.S. tonight.
When is the best time to see the northern lights?
The northern lights are typically most visible between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. according to NOAA.
“Best aurora is usually within an hour or two of midnight (between 10 PM and 2 AM local time),” the said. “These hours of active aurora expand towards evening and morning as the level of geomagnetic activity increases. There may be aurora in the evening and morning but it is usually not as active and therefore, not as visually appealing.”
How to see the northern lights
As always, dark skies make for better stargazing.
“We typically suggest getting away from cities and find a open field or hilltop to lay out under the stars and wait for the show to really peak at the late evening or early morning hours,” Massachusetts Institute of Technology Technical Instructor and Observatory Manager Tim Brothers said in a past interview with Wicked Local.
He continued, “In New England, heading for a local conservation area or park that keeps lighting off at night is ideal. Another option is a coastline away from the larger cities — the benefit being that the constellation where you will see most of the ‘shooting stars.'”
Places to check for northern lights forecast
If you want a chance at seeing the Northern Lights, here are some websites you can monitor the sun’s activity:
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Northern lights may be visible in New Hampshire, Maine tonight. See map