(INDIANA) - A rare and powerful geomagnetic storm could make the northern lights visible in our area tonight, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). The agency has issued a G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for Wednesday, November 12—a level of activity seen only four times during the current solar cycle. The alert follows a coronal mass ejection (CME), a massive burst of solar material that erupted from the sun and is now headed toward Earth.
As the CME collides with Earth’s magnetic field, it’s expected to trigger a geomagnetic storm strong enough to produce stunning aurora displays far beyond their usual northern range. The aurora borealis, or northern lights, were spotted across much of the Midwest on Tuesday night, and forecasters say there’s a good chance of another light show this evening across our area. For the best chance to see the spectacle, experts recommend getting away from city lights and finding a dark, open area—rural locations will offer the clearest views. While the colors are often easier to capture using a smartphone camera with a long exposure, this storm could be bright enough to view with the naked eye. If skies stay clear, tonight could offer one of the most dazzling natural displays of the year.