Aurora Borealis Expected Over Ohio Tonight and Tomorrow Night

Strong Solar Storm Heading Toward Earth

Watch the skies this weekend – the northern lights could be visible across Ohio due to a strong solar storm heading towards Earth. The storm is expected to hit Earth's magnetic field on Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12, and could produce a geomagnetic storm that will trigger the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights.

Viewline Represents Area Where Lights Could Be Seen

The aurora borealis is a natural light display in the sky, primarily visible at high latitude regions (around the Arctic and Antarctic). It is caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with the Earth's atmosphere. The National Weather Service has issued a geomagnetic storm watch for Saturday and Sunday, and has created a viewline that represents the area where the aurora borealis could be seen.

According to the NWS, the viewline for the aurora borealis on Saturday and Sunday will extend from northern Michigan, through Ohio, and into Pennsylvania. The best time to see the aurora borealis is typically between 9 p.m. and midnight, but it can sometimes be visible as early as 7 p.m. or as late as 2 a.m.

If you're hoping to see the aurora borealis, find a spot with clear skies and as little light pollution as possible. You may also want to use a camera with a long exposure setting to capture the best images.

The aurora borealis is a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight, and it's a rare opportunity to see it in Ohio. So if you have the chance, be sure to look up at the sky this weekend and enjoy the show.