Indianapolis, IN – Millions across the Midwest will have a rare chance to witness the Northern Lights tonight and Friday, as a powerful G4 geomagnetic storm is expected to illuminate the skies. The aurora could be visible as far south as Alabama, providing a stunning display for those in states such as Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and beyond.
The National Weather Service reports clear skies across much of the Midwest, with ideal viewing conditions. Temperatures tonight will dip into the mid-40s in states like Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, while northern regions like Wisconsin and Minnesota will see lows in the 30s.
The best viewing times will be between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Thursday and Friday, with the brightest auroras expected in rural areas away from city lights. The storm, caused by solar winds interacting with Earth’s magnetic field, may even display rare colors, including purple, which occurs when the aurora is over 100 km above the Earth and is the rarest color to see.
Friday night will continue to offer chances to view the aurora, with mostly clear skies forecast across the region. Temperatures will range from the mid-50s to low 70s, making for comfortable viewing conditions across the Midwest.
