Omaha, NE – Nebraskans are advised to look to the skies Monday night into Tuesday as a geomagnetic storm may make the Northern Lights visible in the state. This rare opportunity arises from increased solar activity, pushing the aurora borealis further south than usual.
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center predicts the geomagnetic storm index will reach a Kp level of 6-7, enabling aurora visibility as far south as Nebraska. The best times to view the lights are from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Central Time, with clear skies being a key factor.
The aurora borealis, known for its beautiful green, pink, and red displays, occurs when charged solar particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field. To maximize viewing potential, residents should find dark, open spaces away from city lights. Checking real-time aurora forecasts and local weather reports for clear skies will help in experiencing this spectacular event.