We’ll admit, we were starting to feel a little boy cries wolf when it came to reporting on the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights (sadly, we can’t control Mother Nature), but some New Yorkers were lucky enough to catch a rare glimpse of the stunning Northern Lights dancing across the night sky this past weekend on Friday, May 10th.
But if you missed it we have good news–you may have another chance tonight!
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a moderate to strong geomagnetic storm likely to occur again last night, Monday, May 13th, and they have officially issued another Geomagnetic Storm Watch for tonight, Tuesday, May 14th.
Geomagnetic storms can trigger spectacular displays of the Northern Lights on Earth, and though tonight’s storm is categorized as a G2, a downgrade from this past weekend’s G5 storm and Monday night’s G3 storm, there’s still a chance to see the lights’ dazzling display!
Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the dazzling Northern Lights display once again in NY:
When will the Northern Lights be visible in NY?
New Yorkers will have a chance to potentially see the Northern Lights tonight, Tuesday, May 14th.
According to the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, the best viewing times are usually within an hour or two of midnight, between 10 pm and 2 am local time.
Where can I see the Northern Lights in NY?
Unfortunately New York City’s light pollution makes it close to impossible to see the Northern Lights. Heading to a dark place such as a park or beach will provide you with the best chance of seeing the dazzling display.
Those in darker, more rural parts of New York–such as Dutchess, Sullivan and Ulster counties up north–will have the best chance of visibility.
Will I be able to see the Northern Lights in NY tonight?
Since the storm has been downgraded from a G5 storm to a G2 compared to Friday, the chance of actually seeing the Northern Lights is lessened.
Additionally, if they are spotted they won’t be as vivid or intense as Friday night’s display, and NYC’s cloudy skies will definitely make spotting them much harder.
The Geophysical Institute’s geomagnetic index, which measures auroral activity, has a forecast ranking of Kp 5, 2 points less than Monday night’s Kp reading of 7.
The scale ranges from zero to nine, with nine being the most active. To compare, this past weekend’s storm had a Kp index of 8.
Do I need to a telescope to see the Northern Lights in NY?
One of the (many) spectacular things about the Northern Lights is that as long as the conditions are right you don’t need any special equipment to see them! Looking up to the sky with the naked eye is enough.
How else can I see the Northern Lights?
If you don’t see the Northern Lights when looking up towards the sky tonight, not all hope is lost–you can always view them on this live stream from the comfort of your own home.
When will the Northern Lights be visible next?
According to the NOAA, we’re nearing the peak of Solar Cycle 25, an 11-year period in which various weather events can occur, bringing geomagnetic storms and the Northern Lights to Earth.
So, the good news is they may be be visible more often over the next few years!