INDIANA, USA — Another CME is heading toward Earth and may produce a few more northern lights viewing chances across the United States, maybe even a bit in Indiana. The peak of this solar storm is taking place Sunday afternoon while it is still daylight. That doesn't help much. But there will be a window in the early nighttime hours to see some lights across Indiana as we have a G3 storm level.
Tap HERE to track clouds for tonight with our interactive satellite and radar.
Why have the lights been pink in some areas, and green in others? We explain the colors HERE.
(Note: So far the forecasts have not verified well throughout Sunday afternoon. The Kp index has been lower than forecasted. The following is our best guess.)
Forecast for northern lights tonight
We are monitoring the Kp index for the northern hemisphere. It's an analysis of the solar storm and the solar wind as it interacts with our atmosphere. Generally we need a Kp in the 7 range to see some photos. However if you let more light in with a DSLR camera (6 seconds or more), you may see them with a Kp of 6.
(Note: This is forecasted by the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. The Kp can fluctuate rapidly. A temporary spike is possible to bring higher northern light chances.)
Sunday 8 p.m. EDT: 7.00
Monday 12 a.m. EDT: 6.67
Monday 3 a.m. EDT: 6.67
The higher the number, the greater the chance to see the lights. We had a Kp between 8 and 9 during the brilliant display Friday night. It will likely not reach this level. Stay tuned for updates.
The best time to see the lights will likely be from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where in Indiana may I see the lights?
It will still be possible to see the lights tonight, especially in northern Indiana. There is an extremely low chance to see it with your eyes. You will need a long-exposure camera to possibly see them, mainly north of Indianapolis.
If a temporary spike in Kp takes place, then we may see them a bit farther south. This may be the last night we have a chance in Indiana until the next round of solar storms take place.
It's been fun while they lasted!
Regional northern lights forecast
With this weaker storm, ranging between a G2 and a G3 storm, you will have to go north toward the Canadian border to have a higher chance of seeing them.
-13News Meteorologist Matt Standridge
Explaining the colors on the lights...