Once again, we're talking about the Northern Lights!

If it seems like we've been mentioning it more in recent years, you're right.

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The sun is at a solar maximum, in which there's more activity/flares ejected from the sun's surface. Combine that with smart phone cameras that can capture it more easily, and you'll hear more about it.

In the case of Sunday night, a coronal mass ejection (let's just call it a solar flare for simplicity's sake) has collided with Earth's magnetic field.

A coronal mass ejection heads toward Earth
A coronal mass ejection heads toward Earth (© WRAL)

This collision emits light, and it is brightest where the earth's magnetic field is strongest - at the poles.

Colliding particles emit light - first at the poles
Colliding particles emit light - first at the poles (© WRAL)

This collision is known as a geomagnetic storm.

Based on its strength, NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center assigns a rating to it. It has observed and forecast G4 conditions, which is considered a "severe" geomagnetic storm.

The center says, "aurora has been seen as low as Alabama and northern California" in past G4 storms.

It was seen Saturday night in states like Wyoming and Idaho. The hope for aurora-seekers is that the geomagnetic storm continues at G4 strength, as that would provide us with an opportunity Sunday night.

However, forecasting geomagnetic storms is even more difficult than forecasting storms you see on Earth.

According to the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Geophysical Institute, a continued G4 storm could lead to the aurora being visible farther south Sunday night.

Aurora forecast from the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Geophysical Institute
Aurora forecast from the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Geophysical Institute (© WRAL)

Granted, even this far south, you should set realistic expectations. It's unlikely that you will see the aurora dancing over your head.

If you wait for storms to clear, find a dark spot with a clear view of the northern horizon. Turn your phone's camera on night mode, and you just might be able to capture it.

When/how/where to look for the Northern Lights
When/how/where to look for the Northern Lights (© WRAL)

If you happen to capture pictures, be it with your phone or the naked eye, send them to us via Report It.


Have questions about the weather and how it works?

Send me an email with the subject line 'Ask the Meteorologist:' to cmichaels@pugongyingbo.com.