The Northern Lights Return to the Inland Northwest: Here’s How Best to See Them
Nature’s stunning light display, the Northern Lights, will make a grand appearance in the Inland Northwest this week, providing a captivating spectacle for those lucky enough to witness it. High geomagnetic activity is expected to create optimal conditions for viewing the aurora borealis on Thursday night.
Paul Yost, the president of the Spokane Astronomical Society, expressed his excitement about this rare event. He emphasized that witnessing the Northern Lights is an unforgettable experience, describing them as pretty phenomenal.
The Northern Lights, also known as aurora borealis, occur when electrons collide with nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the intensity of these lights increases alongside geomagnetic activity.
Geomagnetic activity is measured using the Kp Index, which ranges from 0 to 9. To see the Northern Lights in lower latitudes, the Kp value must be moderately high. Fortunately, on Thursday, the Kp value will reach 6, allowing the auroras to extend to the Spokane region.
For the best viewing experience, the recommended hours are from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. In order to avoid light pollution, it is advisable to head to more rural areas like Cheney, North Spokane, Hauser, or Rathdrum, as stated in the World Atlas of Night Sky Brightness.
However, for an even more authentic and mesmerizing experience, Paul Yost suggested visiting Fishtrap Recreation Area. Known for its stargazing sessions hosted by the Spokane Astronomical Society, Fishtrap offers a dark sky devoid of excessive light pollution. Located off Interstate 90 toward Ritzville, Fishtrap Recreation Area provides the perfect vantage point, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the wonders of the night sky.
Although Yost usually relies on a telescope for stargazing, he emphasized that this week, a telescope might not be necessary to observe the Northern Lights. These ethereal lights will be visible to the naked eye, enhancing the accessibility and enchantment of the experience. Yost assured that the Northern Lights appear more frequently than people think, and from the Inland Northwest, they illuminate the sky during their journey, projecting a breathtaking red hue.
While the Northern Lights are awe-inspiring in their own right, it’s worth noting that they will be less vivid and dynamic in the Inland Northwest compared to the regions further north, where the phenomenon is more common. Yost attributed this to the summer season, stating that the lights tend to be more vibrant and captivating between September and April due to the darker winter nights.
Forecasters from the Spokane National Weather Service have predicted favorable viewing conditions, projecting clear skies for Thursday night. This optimism further enhances the chances of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights in all their splendor.
For those intrigued by stargazing and longing to explore the wonders of the night sky, Yost extended an invitation to join the Spokane Astronomical Society. The society hosts general meetings and welcomes the public to attend stargazing sessions held at Fishtrap Recreation Area. These gatherings provide an opportunity to delve deeper into the world of astronomy, and best of all, they are entirely free.
In summary, this week presents a rare spectacle as the Northern Lights grace the skies of the Inland Northwest. With high geomagnetic activity and a Kp value of 6, the conditions are ideal for witnessing the aurora borealis. From 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., enthusiasts can venture into rural areas or visit Fishtrap Recreation Area for an unobstructed view of nature’s breathtaking light show. Whether using a telescope or simply relying on the naked eye, this captivating display promises to leave a lasting impression. So mark your calendars and get ready to be mesmerized by the undulating colors of the Northern Lights.
