Categories: Things To Do

Look up! Here’s when the Northern Lights could be visible in Seattle

Image via Shutterstock T.Schofield

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.

Image via The University of Alaska Fairbanks

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.

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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