Look up! Here’s when the Northern Lights could be visible in Seattle
We’ve gotten pretty lucky this year because there is yet another chance to spot the elusive northern lights in Seattle this weekend – providing we get a break from the clouds.
As per the Aurora Forecast shared by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Seattle might be close enough to spot some Northern Lights activity this weekend.
According to the University’s website, “High(++) aurora activity forecasted. If skies are clear, highly active auroral displays may be visible overhead from locations such as Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit, Canada, to Portland (Oregon), Cheyenne, Lincoln, Springfield, and New York City, U.S.A.; and may be visible low on the horizon as far south as Carson City, Oklahoma City, and Raleigh, U.S.A..”
As you can see on the map below, the odds are looking pretty good for Saturday, October 5th.
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
According to the map, it looks like auroral activity will be covering the state of Washington from 8 PM to 11 PM – so no need to stay up too late this time!
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has also issued “G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watches” for this weekend.
SWPC Forecasters have issues G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watches for 04-06 October due to a pair of coronal mass ejections that are anticipated to arrive over the course of the next three UTC days.
Stay tuned at https://t.co/4CNTc1IkKt for updates as we monitor this activity! pic.twitter.com/RbLzQKHSUX
— NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) October 3, 2024
Where can you see the Northern Lights?
Get as far from the city lights as you can! This is what The Seattle Waterfront Association suggested this summer when we experienced an intense G4 Geometric Storm.
They recommend seeking out “an unobstructed view of the northern horizon shielded from city lights.”
A few spots within a 10-mile radius of the Seattle city center are Golden Gardens Park, Carkeek Park, and Discovery Park.
Weather forecast for this weekend
According to the National Weather Service, we can expect some partial clouds on Saturday night with a low of 47 °F. So bring a sweater and a cozy blanket if you plan to camp out and wait for a break in the clouds.
Our fingers are crossed!
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Alicia Lyons
Staff Writer
Alicia is a storyteller who chased the sun all the way to Calgary and decided to stay. When she’s not writing, she can be found stumbling along nature trails, curling up under a fuzzy blanket with a good book, or finding any excuse to eat.
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