JACKSON, Wyo. — Earlier this week, the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, forecasted the Northern Lights could be visible as far south as Cheyenne, Wyoming, on July 13, but as of July 12 the updated forecast says visibility in the lower 48 is very unlikely.
While the Kp index was initially predicted to be a six on Thursday night, it is now listed as a four and no longer strong enough to be categorized as a geomagnetic storm.
The University of Alaska, Fairbanks, shows advance predictions up until Aug. 8, but the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirms that predictions of the Northern Lights can change up until the day before/of the forecasted geomagnetic activity. According to NOAA, Coronal Mass Ejections that cause solar storms can change strength and shape as they get closer to earth.
Those interested in still getting out Thursday night will be able to view Venus and Mars after sunset, and Jupiter and Saturn in the late night/early morning hours, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) says.
