Northern Lights Could Be Visible Over MI Tonight: NOAA

The northern lights could be visible over Michigan Tuesday night, though viewing conditions may be limited, according to federal forecasters.

Forecast maps from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center show the viewing line extending down through Michigan and into the Ohio border.

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A NOAA forecast map shows Connecticut near the southern edge of the northern lights visibility zone Tuesday night. Credit: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center

NOAA forecasts indicate a minor (G1) geomagnetic storm is possible Tuesday due to lingering solar wind effects, which can sometimes push aurora visibility farther south.

Activity is expected to weaken quickly, with lower chances for visibility on Wednesday and Thursday.

Forecasters expect clear skies across most of Michigan on Tuesday night, except for parts of the Detroit area, where thunderstorms could hinder viewing chances. Skies will be clear across the area on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

The best place to see the lights are in Michigan’s dark sky parks, which are: Headlands International, in Mackinaw City; Keweenaw in Cooper Harbor and Dr. T.K. Lawless in Jones.

Space forecasters encourage aurora hunters to get as far away from city lights as possible and scan the northern horizon. Even if you don’t see anything, take a photo of the northern sky with your cellphone camera. The devices are better than the human eye at picking up northern lights.