Miss the northern lights in Tri-State? You should have another chance to see the auroras

CINCINNATI (WKRC/SBG) - The U.S. Space Weather Prediction Center on Thursday issued a severe geomagnetic storm watch for a solar event which impacted a majority of Americans, especially those in the Tri-State. Miss the northern lights on Friday? You should have another chance on Saturday.

Officials explained in a release there is an eruption of solar material, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), resulting in a geomagnetic storm from six separate X-class solar flares. Along with the release was the rating of G4 for “severe,” which the agency has not issued since 2005.

We’re currently in the peak of the sun’s 11-year solar cycle (Cycle 25). The Kp index will likely soar close to 8 on a scale of 9.

Those all over the Tri-State were able see the northern lights, or aurora borealis, Friday night into Saturday morning.

According to Local 12 chief meteorologist John Gumm, the U.S. Space Weather Prediction Center is showing a good chance to see them again Saturday. It may again happen after 10 p.m., but of course, this is subject to change. Forecasting space weather is even more difficult than forecasting Earth weather.

For the best views, get away from light pollution or major cities. Generally the best viewing window is either side of midnight for a couple hours (the darkest time of the night).

Some potential adverse effects of space weather could be some localized technological issues, glitches, or outages. If you’re also sensitive to migraines and headaches, this may have an impact, as well. Staying well hydrated can mitigate the impacts.

Be sure to send your photos via ChimeIn.