Aurora Forecast: Northern Lights Predictions for Alaska and Beyond

NOAA SWPC Predictions for the Next 27 Days

Experts predict the intensity and location of the aurora borealis over North America tonight and tomorrow night.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has released its aurora forecast for the next 27 days. According to the SWPC, there is a high probability of seeing auroras at high latitudes in Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia over the next few nights.

The SWPC's aurora forecast is based on a number of factors, including the strength of the Earth's magnetic field, the speed of the solar wind, and the amount of solar activity. When the Earth's magnetic field is strong and the solar wind is fast, charged particles from the sun can enter the Earth's atmosphere and produce auroras.

The SWPC's aurora forecast is a valuable tool for people who want to see the Northern Lights. By using the forecast, people can plan their trips to areas where they are most likely to see auroras.

There are three main indicators for tracking the Aurora in the Northern Lights forecast:

• The Kp-index: This index measures the strength of the Earth's magnetic field. A higher Kp-index indicates a stronger magnetic field, which is more likely to produce auroras.
• The solar wind speed: This measures the speed of the solar wind. A faster solar wind is more likely to produce auroras.
• The Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field: This measures the direction of the magnetic field in the solar wind. A southward Bz component is more likely to produce auroras.

By using the SWPC's aurora forecast and tracking these three indicators, people can increase their chances of seeing the Northern Lights.