CLEVELAND, Ohio — There is a chance that Northeast Ohio could be in for a light show tonight.
The northern lights could return to the region, as clear skies may enable some of us to see the spectacular views, though residents across northern Montana, Wisconsin and Michigan are expected to get the best view.
“I wouldn’t say it is a great chance, but there is a chance for people who are away from a lot of lights,” said Brian Mitchell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Cleveland. “There aren’t many clouds expected.”
The chances diminish over the next few days, he said.
The light show is the result of strong geomagnetic storms on the sun over the past few days that have sent charged particles hurling toward Earth, where they light up the sky.
Northeast Ohio sits just south of the area where the auroras might be visible on the northern horizon. But if the forecast shifts even slightly, that line could dip farther south, potentially giving the region a chance to glimpse the northern lights.
The best times to see the lights are between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.
For the best chance of seeing anything, head away from city lights and find the darkest sky possible with a clear view to the north. A smartphone or a digital single lens reflex camera set to a long exposure can often pick up subtle auroras that human eyes can’t detect.
Early last month, some in Northeast Ohio saw the night show, as it touched the skies over several parts of the United States.
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