COLDWATER, MI (WTVB)- Residents of Branch County, may have a rare opportunity to witness the northern lights tonight. According to recent space weather forecasts, a geomagnetic storm could enhance auroral activity, potentially making the northern lights visible in mid-latitude regions like southern Michigan. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center indicates a Kp index of 5 or higher, suggesting moderate geomagnetic activity that could extend the aurora’s visibility southward. Clear skies are expected in Branch County tonight, with minimal cloud cover, providing ideal viewing conditions. For the best experience, seek out dark, rural areas away from city lights.
To maximize your chances of seeing the aurora borealis, timing and preparation are key. The optimal viewing window is typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., when the sky is darkest but due to later sunsets this time of year, the optimal viewing window should be between midnight and 2 a.m. Bring a camera or smartphone with a long-exposure setting, as the aurora may appear faint to the naked eye but can show vibrant greens and purples in photographs. While the northern lights are never guaranteed, tonight’s forecast offers a promising chance for Branch County residents to catch this celestial spectacle.
On the downside forecasters warn the haze from the Canadian wildfires could dim the view, but if skies are clear tonight’s show could rival what we saw in the sky last fall.
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