The Northern Lights may still be visible tonight, although the weekend’s intense geomagnetic storms are starting to fade. NOAA forecasters expect unsettled to active conditions with a possibility of isolated minor (G1) storms early overnight.
There is a small chance that a March 22 Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) could cause a quick hit to Earth tonight. If it strikes, it could cause a brief and significant increase in the brightness of the Northern Lights.
Skygazers can look for a higher Kp index, indicating stronger aurora activity and a further southward range. However, the most crucial factor is a strong southward Bz. This allows solar particles to connect with Earth’s northward magnetic field, wreaking havoc and raining energetic particles into the atmosphere to create light.
Earth is currently experiencing solar winds from coronal holes, which keep the atmosphere reverberant and sensitive to even small solar bursts. It is recommended to use tools such as Space Weather Live to track real-time solar wind data.
Stargazers should keep their camera batteries charged, even though a brief increase in activity can yield photographic results. If a solar hit arrives at the right time and under favorable conditions, it can briefly enhance aurora activity. Since Earth’s magnetic field is still reverberating from the past weekend’s activities, even a little nudge can make a noticeable difference.
