NORTHERN LIGHTS: Latest outlook for possible aurora viewing overnight

8:25 PM: As mentioned in today’s preview, and elsewhere, we might see the “northern lights” tonight – well, more like early tomorrow. Here’s what West Seattle skywatching expert/educator Alice Enevoldsen says: “Based on this latest prediction, I’m revising my advice for Seattle to *center* around 2-5 am tonight. Still looks like clear skies.” For other forecasts, and viewing advice, here’s the aurora-info page on Alice’s website.

1:44 AM: Not looking too promising yet, as far as we can tell. But if you’re up late/early, check in on Alice’s Twitter account too.

ADDED SUNDAY MORNING: Alice says today’s outlook from forecasters is that “the peak of the solar wind impact” is forecast for 3 pm to 5 pm. So we may be out of luck for this solar event.

ADDED SUNDAY EVENING: Alice says the space-weather forecasters have downgraded everything, so nothing’s expected tonight either.

Marc October 31, 2021 (2:52 am)

Looks like we got skunked again. All promise and prediction aside.Great clarity for astrophotos, butour Magic Magnetic Lady was shy.

M @ Genesee hill October 31, 2021 (3:27 am)

My interpretation of the info from NOAA is that the K index might only hit 4. Alice says if it’s 6 go outside to look. So if it won’t get to 6 we won’t have a chance to see anything. It’s after 3am. Anyone see any?

Van October 31, 2021 (6:39 am)

Nothing- Nothing at all in Cle Elum. As usual pure hype and little science.

WSB October 31, 2021 (9:13 am)

Science showed a possibility for it. And I believe even the scientists stress it’s not a sure bet that a solar event like this will be followed by an aurora, but better warned just in case than “darn, missed it.”

cjboffoli October 31, 2021 (11:33 am)

Even under ideal circumstances, I think the aurora in Seattle would be underwhelming. Staying up until the wee hours to see a faint green glow on the horizon doesn’t have much appeal for me. One really needs to go to places like northern Alaska, Iceland or Finland, etc. to see real ribbons of color rolling overhead. Now THAT’S seeing the aurora.

Midi October 31, 2021 (4:29 pm)

I think we all know those are the best spots for an aurora, but it’s not within the means for a lot of people to do that. So, if we can get a small glimpse within our own community, then please allow us to be excited about that small green glow.
Anton Worter October 31, 2021 (8:25 pm)

If you’re going to spend the money to see the aurora in Alaska, rent a car and drive north past Palmer on out until the city lights are hidden by the foothills, then off the main highway on any gravel road until the highway is hidden. THEN you are really seeing the aurora, one that crackles and hisses like high tension lines, and also ‘sings’ like undulating whale songs. That’s what drove trappers mad, besides the cold and skinning dead animals, that undulating moan. Got to stand on the back deck of a crabber, way out in the Aleutians, past Adak, in a bay with three snow-capped volcanoes, absolute silence, blackness, and a phosporescent green sea, that moaning auroro covering the sky in green with flashes of red and blue, then the sigh of a breaching whale, somewhere out there in the stillness.

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