Northern Lights may appear again tonight

A stream of fast-moving solar wind from a coronal hole is expected to reach Earth on Jan. 28, and forecasters report possible minor geomagnetic storm activity that could make the northern lights visible after dark in higher-latitude areas.

The northern lights are possible again on the night of Jan. 28 as Earth is forecast to encounter a stream of faster solar wind. That wind is flowing from a coronal hole on the sun, where magnetic field lines open and allow high-speed particles to escape. When those particles interact with Earth's magnetic field they can trigger geomagnetic activity that sometimes produces auroras. Forecasters from NOAA and the U.K. Met Office report isolated G1 (minor) storm conditions as possible. Observed and forecast details: - A stream of fast-moving solar energy is expected to brush past Earth on Jan. 28, originating from a coronal hole on the sun. - Space weather agencies report a current minor geomagnetic storm and note that isolated G1 conditions are possible. - Forecasters indicate auroral activity may increase after sunset and into the overnight hours, with peak activity often reported within an hour or two around midnight. - The view line places possible visibility into parts of the northern United States, including northern Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota and northern Wisconsin. - Visibility is reported to depend on how effectively the incoming solar wind interacts with Earth's magnetic field and on local sky conditions such as cloud cover and light pollution. - Photographers commonly use long exposures or night/pro modes on cameras and smartphones to record auroras, as reported by observers. Summary: A stream of faster solar wind arriving on Jan. 28 is reported to have the potential to generate isolated G1 geomagnetic activity that can bring auroras to higher latitudes. The likelihood and appearance of any display are expected to vary overnight and depend on the strength of the interaction with Earth's magnetic field and on local sky conditions. Forecasters will continue to monitor space weather; the precise timing and extent of any visible display are undetermined at this time.