A chance to see Northern Lights happens tonight

Forecasters have been keeping an eye on recent increased solar activity. A significant solar flare and subsequent coronal mass ejection is set to hit the Earth this evening. This geomagnetic energy is rated on the high end which gives us a decent chance to spot Auroras tonight. These colorful streaks in the sky, also known as Northern Lights, are more common closer to the north pole, but more of a rare treat here in southern Wisconsin so you'll want to take advantage of this viewing opportunity tonight. 

 The index for strength on the KP scale is 0-9 and this one is rated as a 7. That means spots as far south as Chicago may very well get a peak with the naked eye at this astronomical wonder.

So how do these form? Here's a great visual 

Charged particles emitted from the sun are carried our way on solar winds. The particles then follow Earth's magnetic fields which is why you often hear about seeing them in places like northern WI and into Canada. Once these particles reach our atmosphere, that's when the magic happens. Various molecules in the sky above help determine what colors show up to the human eye. Take a look at the graphic above for how that happens.

The only caveat tonight is that we will be fighting incoming clouds with tomorrow's weather maker. We still look to have enough clearing through midnight, before clouds really fill in. So, the best advice is to get out during the first part of the night, get away from city lights and look north! Good luck and share pictures with us if you get them! You can upload pics right to our CBS58 Ready Weather app.

Happy viewing!

I'm meteorologist Rebecca Schuld