Last weekend, Juneau was treated to a rare but brilliant display of the aurora and conditions are right for a repeat performance tonight.
It was a party like atmosphere at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor’s Center last week as people headed away from city lights. By 9 p.m. most of the parking lots were full and people were having to walk to the center from down the road. A steady view of green and sometimes purple lights were visible over the lake and mountains.
That night, the Geophysical Institute had forecast moderate activity for the aurora. Tonight, the same level of activity is expected.
The National Weather Service has predicted clear skies through the day changing to partly cloudy tonight. However, if you’re heading out, dress warmly. The forecast also calls for the first prolonged cold of the winter with temperatures expected to get down in the teens and it will be windy.
If the weather stays nice over the weekend, skygazers also might catch a glimpse of the Leonid Meteor shower which is expected to peak Saturday night. If cold or clouds inhibit viewing, NASA has us covered. They will be hosting a livestream of the shower.
