Michigan skies could feature dazzling northern lights Friday, Aug. 28, according to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) forecast.
NOAA issued a G1 geomagnetic storm watch
earlier this week. A geomagnetic storm is a worldwide disturbance of the Earth's magnetic field. The storm could produce a Kp index of more than 5 Friday night, Aug. 28, leading to potentially strong aurora borealis, or northern lights, visibility.Friday, the aurora could be overhead in the Upper Peninsula and visible throughout the state to the north.
Kp is an index used to indicate the severity of the global magnetic disturbances in near-Earth space, NOAA said. Kp ratings increase from zero to 9. NOAA is predicting minor geomagnetic storm impacts.
Consider heading
to one of Michigan's dark sky areas in regions with clear, dry conditions, for a closer look at the lunar eclipse and colorful auroras. Parts of northern Michigan could see a slight chance of rain, and clouds are expected in parts of the U.P. and northern Michigan, per local National Weather Service offices.
Want a closer look at the night sky? Shop telescopes here
Here's what to know about the northern lights forecast.
When could the northern lights be visible?
The northern lights could be visible in northern Michigan Friday night, Aug. 28, the SWPC said, and possibly again Saturday. NOAA says the Kp index could reach as high as 5.67 late Friday and early Saturday, potentially reaching a G2 geomagnetic storm.
What are the northern lights?
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are waves of light created when the solar wind strikes the atmosphere, creating a display of moving lights in the night sky.
Why do the northern lights have different colors?
The color of the aurora depends on which gas is being excited by the electrons and on how much energy is being exchanged, NASA said.
Oxygen emits either a greenish-yellow light (the most familiar color of the aurora) or a red light; nitrogen generally gives off a blue light. The oxygen and nitrogen molecules also emit ultraviolet light, which can only be detected by special cameras on satellites.
Can't see the northern lights? Use your phone
If you're having trouble seeing the northern lights with the naked eye, try using your phone camera in night mode and hold still while capturing the photo. You might be surprised at what's dancing in the sky.
The Lansing State Journal contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Northern lights could be strong Friday over Michigan. What to expect
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