Baltimore, MD – After a stunning display earlier this week, residents across the Mid-Atlantic could get another chance to see the Northern Lights tonight as the ongoing solar storm continues to push auroral activity unusually far south. The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center reports that a G3–G4-level geomagnetic storm remains in effect, keeping visibility possible across Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and even parts of Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
Forecasters say skies will remain mostly clear early this evening, especially away from the coast and major metro areas. The best viewing time will be between 8 p.m. and midnight, facing north and avoiding artificial light. Rural areas near the Shenandoah Valley, Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and central Pennsylvania may have the highest visibility.
A weak cold front will pass through the region overnight, but it’s not expected to significantly impact visibility until after midnight.
The same solar event that produced brilliant auroras from Texas to Maine earlier this week continues to energize Earth’s magnetic field, creating rare conditions for the Aurora Borealis to be seen this far south.
For the best view, head away from city lights, let your eyes adjust, and use your phone’s night mode to capture the faint colors — even if they’re hard to see with the naked eye.
If skies stay clear, the Mid-Atlantic could be treated to one more night of Northern Lights before the solar storm begins to fade.
