Kp 6 is forecast for tonight. This means that the aurora may dip down south a bit, into the middle areas of the USA —–IF all the factors line up. Things could change suddenly. Auroras come and go. Be ready and in place as it gets dark. The next 3 nights are looking great for auroras. Don’t wait though, things could change rapidly.

For Alaskans in Fairbanks, the higher the Kp, the more widespread the show. Not only look north, but look overhead and also to the south. In other words, look all around the sky! For those in Anchorage, this is the opportunity to see the lights right from your home, and also facing south. Catch the lights facing south from Beluga Point, or other waterside areas (don’t go on the mudflats though!). Homer, Seward, Valdez, and southeast AK be ready for lights!

All of Canada be ready!

Northern and middle states be ready. Look north. Here is Ovation, a map from NOAA Space Weather, which shows the approximate areas of where the aurora is. It is a great way to get an idea of what could be.

When? NOW, when its dark. There is no “best time” and there is no “it usually comes out at….”. On a typical night, the aurora comes out before midnight, then again later in the night. But it also comes out AT ANY TIME THE DATA IS IN ALIGNMENT. This is not new age talk, it is the alignment of the interplanetary magnetic field.

Good luck and happy hunting!!