Northern Lights and Meteor Showers Expected in Upper Midwest and Alaska

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecast a moderate chance for the aurora borealis to be visible across parts of the northern United States and Alaska on Sunday night. According to NOAA, a Kp index of three out of nine is expected, indicating increased auroral activity and brightness compared to typical conditions.

Areas with the highest likelihood of seeing the northern lights include North Dakota, parts of Montana, northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and Alaska. Portions of northeastern Washington and northern Idaho may also be within the viewing range, forecasters said. NOAA recommends that those hoping to view the aurora should seek dark locations away from city lights and aim to observe between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., when activity is typically strongest.

The aurora event coincides with several ongoing meteor showers. The Piscis Austrinid meteor shower is expected to peak in the early hours of Monday, while the annual Perseid meteor shower, which began July 17, will reach its peak in August. The Southern Delta Aquariids meteor shower is also active and will peak on Tuesday.