COLUMBUS, OH — The northern lights may be visible across Indiana and Ohio Thursday night into Friday morning if the space weather forecast holds. A G2, or moderate, geomagnetic storm is possible as a couple of coronal mass ejections interact with Earth. While this event is not as strong as some previous displays, viewing conditions are expected to be nearly perfect. Clear skies and minimal moonlight will also set up a great night for the Draconid meteor shower and planet viewing.
G2 Moderate Geomagnetic Storm Possible Tonight
Current indications show a G2 moderate geomagnetic storm is possible tonight from October 8 into October 9. The storm is being driven by a couple of coronal mass ejections reaching Earth.
Across Indiana and Ohio, the aurora is likely to be visible mainly through cameras if the forecast verifies. That includes areas near South Bend, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Evansville, Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Marietta, and Portsmouth.
Monitor Solar Winds, Not Just the Kp Index
Aurora watchers should not rely solely on the Kp index or the G-level forecast. Conditions can change quickly, and those numbers alone do not always reflect what will be visible.
Checking real-time solar wind data and magnetometer readings gives a better sense of when the aurora may appear. Northern lights viewing is never guaranteed, even with a favorable forecast.
Phone Camera Tips for Capturing the Aurora
Phone cameras can often pick up the aurora better than the human eye. Using night mode and a long exposure setting of about 5 to 10 seconds can help capture faint colors.
Viewers should head away from city lights, give their eyes time to adjust to the dark, and be patient. Keeping a phone steady on a tripod or flat surface can help produce clearer images.
Draconid Meteor Shower Peaks Under Clear, Dark Skies
Even if the northern lights do not appear, tonight offers other sky-watching opportunities. Clear skies and minimal moonlight will make for excellent viewing of stars and constellations.
The Draconid meteor shower peaks tonight, with about 5 to 10 meteors per hour possible. The best viewing will be from dark locations away from city lights.
Saturn and Mars Visible Overnight
Saturn will be visible all night and could make for great photography with the right equipment. It offers another bonus for those spending time outside after dark.
Mars will rise in the eastern sky after 3 AM and remain visible through dawn. Early risers may be able to spot it before sunrise on Friday.
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