People within the northern half of Washington State might properly see a formidable auroral show tonight.
A significant Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) on the photo voltaic floor has resulted in a flux of particles shifting into the earth’s magnetic subject.
A measure of the disturbance of the earth’s magnetic subject is Kp: auroral exercise shifting southward into our space usually requires Kp of 5 or extra. The estimated worth proper now could be 6.
And the anticipated peak worth is 7 between 8 and 11 PM tonight (see under)
The climate tonight must be comparatively clear in northern WA state and southern BC (see seen picture under), however some cloud particles from thunderstorms/showers now in northern Oregon might mess up viewing the southern a part of WA state.
Right here is an “knowledgeable tip” that can assist you determine whether or not to move exterior in the dead of night.
Maintain your eye on the second panel (plasma density). If it goes up into the darkish oranges or reds, then it is going to be price a visit exterior. Within the yellows proper now (4 PM).
When and the place to look at?
We’re fortunate that nighttime is increasing now, however it will not be darkish sufficient to see an aurora till astronomical twilight (about 10:20 PM)— two hours after sundown.
You want a darkish location wanting north. My advice in Seattle: go to Magnuson Park and climb to the highest of the kite hill. Good view north down Lake Washington. The park closes at 11:30 PM. If sufficient of us go, it must be secure sufficient.
