Northern Lights Spectacle Possible Over Ohio This Weekend

Ohio residents are in for a celestial treat this weekend as the aurora borealis, or northern lights, may be visible, thanks to a severe geomagnetic storm. The Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G4 (severe) geomagnetic storm watch as a result of at least five coronal mass ejections expected to hit Earth around midday on May 10th. The phenomenon could be visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California, enhancing the chances for viewers across the northern half of the United States.

For optimal viewing in Ohio, experts recommend heading away from city lights during the peak viewing times between 10 PM and 2 AM, particularly within an hour or two of midnight. Fortunately, the weather forecast predicts clear skies across most of Ohio, which should provide excellent viewing conditions. Auroras occur when solar particles collide with atmospheric gases, creating bright waves of color, typically seen closer to the poles.

The last notable aurora seen in northern Ohio occurred in November 2023 during a G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm.

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Photo byJack AnsteyonUnsplash