Northern Lights may be visible from 15 states Sunday

NOAA forecasts a Kp index of 5 for Sunday night, signaling minor to moderate geomagnetic storms that could make the northern lights visible across about 15 northern U.S. states along the Canadian border.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting geomagnetic activity Sunday night that could make the northern lights visible across parts of the northern United States. The forecast follows a coronal mass ejection and incoming high-speed solar wind. NOAA predicted a Kp index of 5 out of 9 for Sunday, which forecasters describe as likely to produce brighter aurora with more motion and formations. Officials characterize the expected storms as minor to moderate. Key details: - NOAA predicted a Kp index of 5 out of 9 for Sunday night. - Forecasters reported lingering effects from a coronal mass ejection and additional high-speed solar wind from a coronal hole, producing minor to moderate geomagnetic storms. - The NOAA view line for Sunday night covers roughly 15 northern U.S. states along the Canadian border, including much of Washington, the Idaho Panhandle, most of Montana, northeastern Wyoming, North Dakota, most of South Dakota, Minnesota, northern Iowa, much of Wisconsin, northern Michigan, northern New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and much of Alaska. - NOAA noted the aurora can sometimes be seen up to about 600 miles south of where it appears and that activity is often strongest late evening into the early morning. - National Geographic and other experts said modern smartphone cameras with night modes and stabilized support can record aurora photographs. Summary: NOAA's forecast means the aurora could be visible across a broad swath of northern states if geomagnetic activity reaches the predicted levels. Forecasters will continue to monitor geomagnetic conditions, and reported peak activity typically occurs between about 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.