Seattle residents are on alert as forecasts suggest a rare opportunity to witness the northern lights, or aurora borealis, over Washington skies this week. Following a series of powerful solar storms, space weather experts have indicated that geomagnetic activity remains elevated, creating a possibility for aurora sightings as far south as Seattle.
While the best chances for viewing remain in Alaska and northern states, NOAA’s latest predictions include Washington among the states with potential aurora visibility. The Kp index—a measure of geomagnetic activity—was expected to reach levels that could bring the spectacle into view for parts of the Pacific Northwest, especially in areas away from city lights and with a clear northern horizon.
However, experts caution that aurora forecasts are notoriously unpredictable. Recent storms have sometimes underperformed, leaving skywatchers disappointed when expected displays faded or shifted unexpectedly Local meteorologists also note that factors like cloud cover and fog could impact visibility around Seattle, though skies were expected to remain relatively clear for prime viewing hours.
For the best chance to catch the aurora, head to a dark, north-facing location after midnight and consider using a smartphone camera, which can pick up faint colors invisible to the naked eye. While the odds are slim, the excitement is real—Seattle could be treated to a celestial show if conditions align tonight.
