NOAA forecasts northern lights visibility in 10 U.S. states like Washington, Idaho, and Maine on Saturday due to a Kp index of four and mild geomagnetic storms from solar winds, offering prime viewing before conditions fade. (152 characters)
Forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predict the aurora borealis could appear in northern U.S. states on Saturday evening. A Kp index of four out of nine signals brighter displays with more movement. Mild G1 geomagnetic storms, stemming from solar winds via coronal holes, boost visibility chances.
These 10 states lie north of or near the aurora visibility line:
Alaska and northern Canada expect even better odds. Southern edges like Minnesota might catch glimpses if activity ramps up.
Visibility peaks Saturday but drops Sunday with a Kp index of two, limiting views to northern Minnesota. Coronal holes—cooler, low-density sun spots—spawn high-speed solar winds that spark these storms when hitting Earth's magnetic field. Thanksgiving viewers in border states could enjoy the show.