Northern lights visible in Michigan Friday night

The aurora may be seen in Michigan and nearby states this weekend as space weather pushes the night sky into view.

Northern lights visible in Michigan Friday night

A coronal mass ejection from the sun is driving geomagnetic activity that could spark the northern lights across several states this weekend. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center says a CME lifted off the sun on August 5 and is expected to cause geomagnetic storms on August 8 and 9. The forecast points to a higher chance of aurora in northern states, with Michigan especially in reach for Friday night and into Saturday. The forecast maps show a line that crosses through Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula, indicating potential viewing spots when skies are clear.

Viewers should not expect a guaranteed show. Auroras appear best under dark skies away from city lights, and weather conditions matter. The aurora can be seen just after sunset or just before sunrise, not during daylight. People planning to look should check local weather and be prepared for cold conditions.

This weekend's sky show is a reminder that space weather has a tangible link to daily life. It attracts families, students, and amateur astronomers who want to glimpse a dynamic feature of our solar system. Yet the forecast warns of uncertainty: the aurora's visibility depends on cloud cover, moon phase, and local light pollution.

The event offers a chance to translate complex physics into a simple shared experience. It can inspire outdoor education and local tourism, while officials remind people to stay safe in cold and dark places. It also highlights how science agencies communicate risk and opportunity in real time.

Highlights

Sky watchers should stay tuned for updates as conditions unfold