How to best see the Aurora Borealis this weekend in the Northwest
Apr 1, 2016, 1:28 PM | Updated: 1:51 pm
(File, Associated Press)
(File, Associated Press)
Sky watchers are expecting a light show this weekend, even in the Northwest where the Aurora Borealis may possibly be seen — if you catch it at the right angle.
“It’s usually pretty low on the horizon. It’s a soft green glow, not very high in the sky,” said Dustin Guy with the National Weather Service.
The Aurora Borealis may be seen from the Northwestern United States Friday night into Saturday morning (April 1-2), and possibly the following evening.
The sun recently sent heavy solar wind with highly charged particles our direction. When those particles hit the Earth’s atmosphere, they react and create a glow across the sky. That glow is best seen at northern latitudes, hence the nickname “Northern Lights.”
But this time around that light show may be possible to see from the Northwest United States, according to Guy. There are a few things a viewer can do to increase their chances of seeing it.
“The best viewing conditions are away from the city,” Guy said. “If you can get away from city lights, usually the northern or northeast horizon is where you are going to see it best.”
“It’s usually been late, like after midnight or around 2 o’clock in the morning,” he said. “It can flare up for 10 minutes, or stay around for an hour — you never really know.”
