The Northern Lights may still be visible tonight, although the intense geomagnetic storm from the weekend is beginning to fade. NOAA forecasters expect active conditions to become unstable with the possibility of isolated small (G1) tornadoes early overnight.
There is a slight chance that the coronal mass ejection (CME) from March 22 could deliver a major blow to Earth tonight. If it hits, it can cause a brief and significant increase in aurora brightness.
Skygazers can keep an eye out for a higher KP index, indicating stronger auroral activity and reaching further south. However, the most important factor is a strong southward Bz. This allows solar particles to interact with Earth’s northward-directed magnetic field, causing demagnetization and a shower of energetic particles into the atmosphere to produce light.
Earth is currently experiencing solar winds from coronal holes, keeping the atmosphere resonant and sensitive to even small solar shocks. It is recommended to use a tool like Space Weather Live to track real-time solar wind data.
Stargazers should keep their camera batteries charged, even though a slight increase in activity may yield better photographic results. If the solar hit comes at the right time and under favorable conditions, it can enhance aurora activity for a short period of time. Since the Earth’s magnetic field is still buzzing from the weekend’s activities, even a small movement can make a noticeable difference.
