April 15, 2025

Potential Aurora Tonight

 I have held off mentioning this because I did not want to "cry wolf", but there is an increasing chance that some of you might see some auroral activity tonight.

The latest guidance from the NOAA Space Weather Center (YES,  NOAA!!) indicates the critical index of potential auroral activity (Kp) has now reached 6, which I have found to be the minimum required for even a minor light show around here (see plot below).


The updated Kp forecast takes the index to nearly 7 between 8 and 11 PM tonight...see below.


The graphic from the Space Weather Center shows potential coverage reaching at least northern Washington.


The big question is clouds.   Right now, there are some high clouds overhead (see image around 6 PM), which would be fatal for good viewing, but the latest animation suggests the clouds will be through in 3 hours.

We have a chance!   I will certainly be going outside for a look around 10-11PM tonight.  Good aurora hunting!



4 comments:

  1. Did anyone see the aurora? I plum forgot to look! I was tired from my trip to CA...

    ReplyDelete
  2. How does it look for tonight, the 16th?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Looked for it about 9:30 Wednesday. Nothing visible.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I went and looked on the 16th around 10 pm. No show.

    ReplyDelete

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