Slater Lab

** VERY RARE G4 SOLAR STORM WATCH ** This is a map I made based on G4 storm history. If the storm does not achieve G4 levels, the viewing levels will be farther north and vice versa. More information about viewing the Northern Lights will be posted over the next 24 hours. Stay tuned! The Space Weather Prediction Center is monitoring the risk for a potential geomagnetic storm after the release of a strong CME (coronal mass ejection) from the Sun yesterday afternoon. The current projection is for this storm to reach G4 (severe) strength, which would allow for the Northern Lights to be visible across the Commonwealth on the horizon and away from heavily light-polluted regions. The last two recent times a G4 Solar Storm Watch was issued were in May of 2024 and October of 2024, which both brought prolific shows across Pennsylvania. Nothing is a guarantee, but a LARGE aurora show tomorrow night is a growing possibility. EARLY VIEWING FORECAST: Other than the expected cold conditions, the sky conditions look pretty good. The highest smoke concentrations look to remain west of PA Sunday night and most regions look to be cloud-free, with a few clouds possible across northeastern PA. PRELIMINARY BEST VIEWING TIME: 10 pm (Sun) - 6am (Mon). Substorms throughout the period may increase aurora visibility. ➡️DISCLAIMER MUST READ: Solar weather is difficult to predict so be prepared to set up for disappointment. It is possible the CME arrives earlier than projected or later than projected or never arrives at all! The best place to view the Northern Lights is away from any light pollution and the long-exposure cameras and night mode will best pick up the colors. During stronger substorms, you will be able to see all of the colors, but best away from cities and light pollution!⬅️ Here is hoping for the Northern Lights tomorrow night. Clear skies are expected with low moonlight. Stay tuned for updates!