Columbus, Ohio – A space weather alert is in effect tonight as a rare G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm creates the potential for Northern Lights to be visible across parts of Ohio, according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.
NOAA’s latest aurora forecast shows the auroral oval expanding farther south than usual, placing northern Ohio and areas near Lake Erie within reach of possible aurora visibility late tonight. Forecast guidance indicates a Kp index near 7 to 8, a level capable of producing auroras well outside their typical northern range.
The aurora forms when charged particles from the Sun collide with oxygen and nitrogen high in Earth’s atmosphere, creating glowing green and red light displays. This activity is being driven by a coronal mass ejection currently interacting with Earth’s magnetic field.
For viewers in northern Ohio, including areas near Toledo, Cleveland, and Sandusky, auroras may appear as faint bands or a greenish glow in the northern sky, especially in darker rural locations. Farther south, including central Ohio and the Columbus metro area, the lights are more likely to appear as a subtle glow low on the northern horizon, and may be difficult to see near city lights.
The best opportunity to view the aurora is expected late tonight through the early morning hours, generally between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., weather and cloud cover permitting. Observers are encouraged to find dark locations away from city lights, face north, and allow time for eyes to adjust.
Auroras are harmless to people on the ground, though the same geomagnetic storm is prompting monitoring of satellites, GPS systems, and power infrastructure.
Auroral visibility may fluctuate overnight as geomagnetic conditions evolve.
