During May and October, when aurora displays were visible all around the world, did you spot the Northern Lights? According to a professional aurora chaser who can forecast the appearance of spectacular aurora displays almost minute by minute, it may be the beginning of the Northern Lights being seen across the U.S. and Europe, and far beyond, on several more occasions.

Geomagnetic Storms Cause the Northern Lights

Higher numbers on the Kp index, which gauges geomagnetic activity, correspond to more powerful solar storms that produce auroras. Wil Cheung stated, “If you look back at decades of data, you will find that you get about 10 powerful Kp 8 and Kp 9 storms during the typical solar maximum period, when the sun is at its most active over a three- to four-year period.

NOAA states that “the aurora will move further towards the equator, and it will become very bright and active” during a Kp 8 to Kp 9 storm. The expanded aurora oval will be visible to the majority of people, and these events produce the best aurora. The northern U.S. states may be able to see the aurora straight overhead at these levels.

The aurora will move even further from the poles and become quite bright and active,” according to NOAA, referring to the considerably more frequent Kp 6 and Kp 7 storms. It may be feasible to view the aurora from the northern border of the United States at this level of geomagnetic activity.Solar Maximum in the Northern Lights

Aurora displays have recently increased at more southern locations.