The Space Weather Prediction Center is forecasting a G4 geomagnetic storm to continue during the night of June 1 into the morning of June 2. In order to see the Northern Lights this far south in North Alabama, the Kp index has to be high. The Kp value is something we look at that’s associated with the strength of the geomagnetic storm. The center is forecasting a Kp index between 7 and 8 after dark and into the early overnight hours. Around here, we need it to be between 8 and 9 for us to see the lights. The last time we had a spectacular show here in North Alabama, the G4 storm that was predicted strengthened to a G5 and the Kp index was between 8 and 9!
The sky should be mostly clear tonight but we will be battling the smoky conditions in our area from the Canadian wildfires. This could hinder viewing. In order to see the Northern Lights you have to get away from city lights and use a long exposure camera, which you can use on your smart phone…