Colorful Northern Lights In Montana: Best Tips For Viewing

The aurora borealis may be visible for Montana residents on Thursday night due to a strong G3 Geomagnetic Storm. If you want to get a good view of the Northern Lights, here are a few tips on how to find the best spot.

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Usually, when there's a significant geomagnetic storm, Montana gets an impressive show. The further north you are, the better. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, a coronal mass ejection (CMA) is an eruption of solar material and magnetic fields. When they hit the earth, a geomagnetic storm can occur. A G3 Strong (or higher) storm warning has been issued.

In May, one of the strongest geomagnetic storms in recent history created a dazzling colorful display in the night sky. Montana residents flooded social media with pictures from the event. If skies are clear, the aurora (Northern Lights) could be visible as far south as Alabama and northern California tonight.

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Important Tips For Viewing the Northern Lights in Montana

If you want to witness the aurora borealis, here are a few tips.

• Get out of town, away from city lights
• Find a place that's really dark
• Be patient
• The best viewing is between 10PM and 2PM (local time)
• Check the forecast

Montanans are fortunate when it comes to seeing the Northern Lights. There are great places for viewing across the state. According to the NOAA, some effects are possible to the power grid, satellite operations, and GPS. This storm could impact ongoing recovery efforts for Hurricanes Helene and Milton in several critical ways.

Partly to mostly cloudy skies are in the forecast for much of Montana on Thursday night, so viewing may be difficult.