INDIANAPOLIS — Extreme solar conditions are still being reported from the Space Weather Prediction Center this morning and the forecast is for these conditions to likely continue through the weekend.
The "viewing area" of how far south Northern Lights will be visible is based on NOAA's Geomagnetic Storm Index. With values being reported this morning in the G5 or extreme range, the aurora is forecast to be seen as far south as southern Indiana.
The best view of the typical green appearance will likely cut off somewhere in southern Michigan with northern Michigan through northern Wisconsin getting in on a very active aurora.
Locally, it is possible the aurora can be seen with the naked eye, but a better view will be through your camera or camera phone using night mode.
Here's the best time to view the aurora from the Space Weather Prediction Center: "Best aurora is usually within an hour or two of midnight (between 10 PM and 2 AM local time). These hours of active aurora expand towards evening and morning as the level of geomagnetic activity increases. There may be aurora in the evening and morning but it is usually not as active and therefore, not as visually appealing."
The local weather forecast is looking much better tonight compared to last night. The sun sets at 8:50 p.m. and the sky will be clear through the evening and overnight.
