Article

Photo by Allison R. in Victoria showing the Aurora in September 2024

(FOX 9) – Two large solar flares in recent days are setting the stage for visible northern lights by next week.

What we know

This week, the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center detected two solar flares that triggered two coronal mass ejections aimed at Earth. The second of the two, discovered on Thursday, is classified as an X9.0 flare – the most powerful solar flare detected in about seven years.

Both events are expected to trigger geomagnetic storms in Earth’s atmosphere, fueling the auroras.

What to expect

NOAA is forecasting G3 (or strong) geomagnetic storms for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. That means the Northern Lights could be visible as far away as central Iowa this weekend.

This storm is the result of the first solar flare. It is unclear what exact impact the second eruption will have on Earth.

It will take a few days for the second coronal mass ejection to reach Earth. If things go as expected, the second flare could trigger an even stronger storm early next week – which in turn could lead to even more brilliant northern lights.

Skies are clear on Thursday evening and we’re just past the new moon phase – meaning viewing conditions will be favorable to aid aurora seekers.

Tips for observing the Northern Lights

NOAA recommends the following tips for the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

• Go north.
• Go to areas with less light pollution. Use this map to find the best places near you.
• The best times to see the Northern Lights are often just before midnight.
• Spring and fall are often the best times to see the Northern Lights because “the subtleties in the way the solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetosphere” can create larger geomagnetic storms.