Chicago, IL — A strong geomagnetic storm is expected to illuminate skies across the northern United States late Sunday into Monday. This event, known as the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights, may be visible from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and as far west as Oregon.
According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, the storm’s forecasted Kp index of 7 suggests potential visibility from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, with another opportunity late Monday night into Tuesday. The chances increase the farther north you are, although parts of Ohio could see the lights along the northern horizon.
NOAA reports that stronger-than-expected storm activity could allow the lights to be visible as early as midnight Sunday. Typically, a Kp index of 8 or 9 provides the best viewing conditions in the Midwest. Viewers are encouraged to stay updated on changing forecasts for the best visibility chances.
Skies may light up across the northern Midwest, New England, and the Pacific Northwest, depending on conditions.
