How to keep track of when the Northern Lights might be visible in Wisconsin

 

Watching waves of green as the Northern Lights illuminate the sky might be a bucket-list item for those hoping to catch a glimpse of them.

Some Wisconsinites have been lucky enough to see the Northern Lights. But if you haven't yet, not to worry. You're more likely to see them over the next couple of years, according to the Milwaukee Astronomical Society.

What's the science behind Northern Lights? How often could Wisconsinites see them? Here's what you need to know:

What's the science behind Northern Lights?

Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are created as a result of solar activity, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

When particles from a coronal mass ejection arrive to Earth they interact with the planet's magnetic field, causing the northern lights to appear in the sky, according to NOAA. Oxygen gives off a green and red light, while nitrogen glows blue and purple.

How often do we see the Northern Lights in Wisconsin?

Northern Lights are a result of solar activity, so how often we see them depends on what's going on with the sun, said Gene Hanson, observatory director for the Milwaukee Astronomical Society

Over a period of 11 years, the sun goes through a cycle of low to high activity and back to low—which are called Solar Cycles. We're currently in a Solar Cycle that started in 2019, so solar activity will increase over the next five and a half years.

That means you're more likely to see Northern Lights in the next five and half years, said Hanson. The further north you go, the higher your chance of seeing the Northern Lights. There's a big difference between seeing them around Milwaukee versus in northern Wisconsin.

When's the next time they might be visible in Wisconsin?

That's a really hard question to answer, said Hanson. It could happen really on any given night.

For the most-up-to-date predictions, you can monitor the NOAA aurora forecast tool which has a 30 minute forecast tool. There's also a tool on the Milwaukee Astronomical Society website at www.milwaukeeastro.org.

On the tool, you'll see the prediction for 35 minutes ahead. You'll have good odds of seeing the Northern Lights if the color over Wisconsin is yellow, orange, and even red.

Even with watching the map, it still can be difficult to detect exactly when the northern lights might arrive. "I've been following the Northern Lights via this prediction tool for the last 10 years and it's rarely given us a good heads up. But right now it's as good as it gets," Hanson said.

Here's some tips on how to see the Northern Lights

The next time Northern Lights are in the forecast, here are some viewing tips from Hanson:

• Head north: The Northern Lights get their name for a reason. Hanson says that the aurora is bigger and more vibrant the farther north you go. “Even 60 miles north can make a tremendous difference,” Hanson says.
• Look for the horizon: The northern horizon, that is. Hanson says that you want the most unobstructed view to the north that you can find. Again, they’re called the northern lights for a reason. The more north you can see, the more of the lights you could see.
• Move away from the light: Light pollution is often the reason you can’t see stars when you’re in the city. So, get out and away from the city. Rural areas are best, and Hanson says that anywhere you can see the stars well will work, but the darker the better.

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