It's been awhile since we've had a chance at seeing the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis,in the lower peninsula of Michigan, but for the next couple of nights there is a chance they may be visible this far south.

The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has announced G1 and G2 geomagnetic storm watches for nights from September 27 through September 29. Those watches measure solar activity reaching Earth's atmosphere and alerts at that level indicate that the aurora may be seen in the northern United States.

The solar activity is measured on a scale of 0-9. The KP index for Monday is at a 6, Tuesday's index is a 5. Both are considered as "high activity".

One of the biggest factors is going to be the weather. The hourly forecast from Fox 17 is calling for partly cloudy skies for most of Monday night with showers for Tuesday night. So even though conditions won't be great for Monday, your chances will probably be better on Monday than Tuesday due to the rain.

The University of Alaska puts together an aurora forecast. You can see their predictions and graphics on their website.

For the best chance to view the northern lights you need to get away from light pollution. The further you are from city lights, the better your chances.

I have never had the opportunity to see the northern lights. I have tried heading out along Lake Michigan, north of Muskegon, a few times. I feel like Linus waiting for the great pumpkin. I see out there all night and nothing ever appears. I'll keep trying though!

 

 

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