AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — Residents across the Texas Panhandle may have another chance to see the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) overnight tonight, starting as soon as it gets dark.
According to space weather experts, a powerful solar storm is impacting Earth’s magnetic field, making it possible for the Northern Lights to be seen much farther south than normal.
This will likely include parts of Texas.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a severe geomagnetic storm (G4) warning, which can push aurora visibility into the southern U.S. and even further south during intense sub-storms. Experts also said this is the largest solar radiation storm to impact earth since 2003.
What to know:
When to look: After sunset through the late evening hoursWhere to look: Face north, away from city lightsBest viewing spots: Rural areas across the Texas and Oklahoma PanhandlesTip: Phone cameras and long-exposure photos may capture colors not easily seen by the naked eyeDress Warm: Temperatures will be in the low teens. Windchills will be in the single digits
Cloud cover is not expected to be an issue in the southern Plains tonight. Even faint auroras may appear as a soft glow or colored pillars near the northern horizon. Overnight temperatures will be very cold so if you do plan to go out, prepare dress in layers and cover up as much exposed skin as possible.
Previous Aurora Coverage
The Northern Lights have made rare appearances in the Panhandle before, and KVII has documented several of those events:
KVII will continue monitoring conditions overnight and will provide updates if visibility increases across the Panhandle.
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