Greene Countians may have a chance to catch a glimpse of the northern lights tonight as a strong burst of solar energy interacts with Earth’s atmosphere.
A large release of charged particles from the sun occurred Sunday. When that energy reaches Earth, it can produce a colorful display of light in the night sky known as the aurora borealis. While the phenomenon is normally visible only in far northern regions, stronger solar activity can push the lights much farther south.
The northern lights were visible locally in May 2024 and again last November. During the November event, the display was noticeably brighter. Even when the aurora appears faint to the naked eye, digital cameras, including those on smartphones, are often able to capture the green, red, pink, and yellow hues associated with the phenomenon.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the current event is rated four out of five on its space weather scale. Forecasters are also tracking the K index, which measures how far south the aurora may be visible. Tonight’s forecast calls for an eight out of nine, indicating the potential for a brighter display.
If visible in this area, the aurora would appear low in the northern sky, just above the horizon. Clear skies are expected tonight, which could improve viewing conditions. However, temperatures are forecast to drop into the teens, and there is no precise way to predict exactly when the lights may appear.
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center says aurora can sometimes be seen from locations as much as 600 miles south of where it is typically visible, provided viewing conditions are favorable. Officials recommend finding an elevated location with an unobstructed view to the north and getting away from city lights.
The best viewing window is usually between 10 pm and 2 am local time, although activity can begin earlier in the evening or continue into the early morning hours when geomagnetic activity is strong.
More than two dozen states, including Tennessee, may have a chance to see the aurora tonight. NOAA says recent reports from Tuesday night included sightings in areas well beyond the predicted range, including some in Greene County.
A coronal mass ejection associated with the solar burst is expected to reach Earth around midday today, which could further enhance tonight’s display.
A link to the NOAA aurora forecast, including estimated peak activity times, is available at WGRV.com.
