LOUISVILLE, Ky. — An unusual solar storm may give skygazers in Kentucky and Indiana a rare glimpse at the Northern Lights, a beautiful display that lights up the night sky when solar winds hit Earth’s atmosphere.
On Thursday, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center issued a rare severe (G5) geomagnetic storm watch this weekend – the first since 2003.
An active sunspot, 16 times larger than the diameter of Earth, has thrown several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) toward Earth in the past few days, officials said.
At least seven CMEs are expected to arrive between Friday, May 10 and Sunday, May 12.
This event may cause the Northern Lights – typically seen in Alaska, Canada and Scandinavia – to be seen in Louisville and much of Kentucky and Indiana, but even as far south as Alabama.
Geomagnetic storms do have the potential to impact infrastructure in near-Earth orbit and on the planet’s surface including potential disruptions to communications, electric power grid, navigation, radio and satellite operations, officials added.
Viewing the Northern Lights in Kentucky and Indiana
Forecasting the Northern Lights is not a simple task and has a history of being fickle. Take any aurora outlook with a grain of salt and keep your fingers crossed!
According to NOAA, the exact timing of the geomagnetic storm's arrival is uncertain. That being said, it appears the best time to look up to the sky will be after dark Friday evening and early Saturday morning.
Impacts from the CMEs, including the Northern Lights, could continue to be seen through Sunday though, NOAA said.
Thankfully, if we are able to see the lights, it does not look like weather will get in the way of viewing in Kentucky and Indiana.
FUTURECAST: Cloud coverage over Kentucky, southern Indiana for Friday through Sunday night
The sky will stay mostly clear Friday through Sunday night. It will be quite chilly though, temperatures in the lower 50s early Saturday and Sunday morning.
Tips to view Northern Lights:
- Leave the city. Light pollution from nearby cities may negatively impact your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
- Let your eyes adjust. It may take a few minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
- Look toward the northern horizon. The Northern Lights should appear as a faint greenish glow which may appear to dance as it gets more active.
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