What Are Coronal Holes?
Coronal holes are large, relatively cooler regions of the Sun that appear as dark spaces in solar photography, according to NOAA. These regions are less dense and have unipolar magnetic fields, which allow very fast streams of solar winds to escape into space. When these solar winds interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, they can cause geomagnetic storms. The storms predicted for Sunday are only “minor,” but even these have the added effect of causing the aurora to appear visible from parts of the continental United States.
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Where Could the Northern Lights Be Visible?
The aurora has a “low likelihood” of visibility in states along the U.S.-Canadian border for Sunday, including the very northern parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Most of Alaska could also see the northern lights, with a large portion of the state falling in the “high likelihood” region of NOAA’s aurora forecast map.
What’s the Best Way to View the Northern Lights?
Experts recommend viewers travel as far north as possible before trying to catch the lights. Viewers should position themselves on a vantage point away from sources of light pollution with a clear view of the sky facing north. They should also try to time their trips to the hours wehn the aurora is most active—typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
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What’s the Best Way to Photograph the Northern Lights?
Photographers who spoke to National Geographic said smartphone cameras can take quality photos of the aurora, given users are working with the right settings and equipment. Prospective photographers should remember to bring a tripod and remote timer, as all cameras need to sit still for long periods of time in order to gather enough light to capture photos of the dark sky. Smartphone users should also remember to shoot in RAW image format in night mode with their flash turned off.
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