Peak viewing hours are between 10 p.m.-2 a.m. when skies are darker

An aurora is forecast to be visible above the northern horizon, in parts of Clark County on Saturday night (Oct. 5), depending on the weather. If skies are clear, the aurora may be seen.

The link below shows the map of where these northern lights may be visible covering Washington state, possibly the northernmost areas of Oregon, and northern Idaho. https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/communities/aurora-dashboard-experimental.

For best visibility, it is ideal to find a dark place away from city lights with a view to the north. For example, a dark area on top of a hill or a field or yard with an unobstructed, or partially unobstructed view toward the north could offer views of the northern lights. In May of 2024, Clark County Today reporter Paul Valencia saw the northern lights from East Vancouver and the Hockinson area. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/first-person-experiencing-the-northern-lights-for-the-first-time/

Peak viewing hours are between 10 p.m.-2 a.m. when skies are darker.

To the naked eye, an aurora may not be visible, or appear hazy, with less color. However, a cell phone camera using night mode is more sensitive to dim light and colors than your eyes, and can reveal an array of colors. Without a camera, it may take 10-20 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the darkness to see aurora lights.