(WWJ) — Metro Detroiters have been treated to quite the show in the nighttime sky this weekend as the Northern Lights have been visible in the midst of a geomagnetic storm.
And if you’re feeling bummed that you missed them the last two nights, don’t sweat it too much. National Weather Service meteorologist Corey Behnke says we might just “catch a break” and see them again Sunday night.
The Northern Lights, otherwise known as the aurora borealis, have been particularly active since Friday night. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center on Sunday said a G4+ Geomagnetic Storm Watch remains in effect.
What exactly does that mean?
It means we should be seeing the lights again Sunday night, Behnke told WWJ’s Ryan Wrecker live on air Sunday afternoon an X-class flare was observed earlier on Sunday.
“It’s what’s classified as the strongest coronal mass ejection from the surface of the sun. It was observed to be directed at the Earth earlier today, so conditions remain favorable, or the potential is there to see strong Northern Light activity,” Behnke said.
In terms of the weather, it appears for a third straight night — especially the area south of I-69 — can expect to see the aurora as things are looking clear.
“I think they’re gonna catch a break. For everyone south of I-69, we’re looking at a good amount of clear skies throughout the evening hours,” Behnke said. “Clouds will be on the increase, though, as a cold front slips down, but we’re not expecting those until probably after 2 a.m.”
Metro Detroiters and others across Michigan have been flooding social media with vivid photos of the Northern Lights. While many places have been able to see the lights with the naked eye in the darkest of places — especially the further north you go — it is worth noting that having your phone’s camera on “dark mode” really helps make the colors show up more vividly.
“They’ve been amazing pictures. The vibrancy of the colors has just been outstanding,” Behnke said.
For the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights, you should go somewhere with minimal light pollution and look to the northern skies. Be sure to pack your patience, as the lights may not be visible at first, but Behnke says to expect them some time between 10 p.m. Sunday and 2 a.m. Monday.