Key Facts

What Are Coronal Mass Ejections?

Coronal mass ejections are emissions of solar material from the Sun’s corona—its outermost layer of atmosphere. This material includes plasma and embedded magnetic field that is typically stronger than normal solar winds, according to NOAA. When this material reaches Earth, it can interact with the planet’s magnetosphere and cause geomagnetic storms. The storms predicted for Monday night are expected to be mild—just a G1 on NOAA’s scale out of five. However, even minor storms can cause the northern lights to appear visible farther south than usual, and potentially in the contiguous United States.

Where Could The Northern Lights Be Visible?

The aurora could be visible from most states along the U.S.-Canadian border, according to NOAA’s forecast. These include all of North Dakota, along with northern parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Northern parts of South Dakota also have a slight chance of seeing the northern lights, according to NOAA, though chances will generally be low across the Lower 48. Most of Alaska has a much very high likelihood of seeing the lights, however, according to NOAA.

What’s The Best Way To View The Northern Lights?

Experts at NOAA recommend prospective viewers get as close as possible toEarth’s magnetic north pole located in Canada. Viewers should find a good vantage point, ideally with a clear view of the northern sky and far from any city lights. Viewers should also time their trips and plan to watch when the aurora is typically most active—between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.

What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?

Experts who spoke to National Geographic said smartphones are now capable of taking quality photos of the northern lights. Photographers using mobile devices should set their devices to night mode, turn off flash and shoot in RAW image format. They should also invest in a tripod and remote timer to hold their devices still long enough to capture the aurora.