Unveiling the Secrets of Forecasting and Capturing the Spectacular Northern Lights

The forecast for Northern Lights, issued by the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), relies on estimating the strength, speed, and direction of Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) from the sun. The initial forecast is a rough estimate, and the accuracy improves as the CME approaches Earth. However, the timing forecast for when the lights will occur is less reliable, often being off by several hours. To see the lights, one should find a dark open spot and stay up late, hoping for a sighting.