OREGON, USA — If you missed May's light show, don't worry! You may just get another crack at it. Solar activity is expected to hit Earth's atmosphere from July 30 through early Aug. 1, giving Oregonians another potential chance to view the Northern Lights.
The geomagnetic storm watch extends from Tuesday into Thursday, due to a strong solar flare that happened Sunday evening. The impacts should be strongest Wednesday night.
According to NOAA, the aurora borealis may be visible in northern Oregon, as well as other northern U.S. states, extending through the upper Midwest and perhaps even the Northeast.
The geomagnetic activity isn't as strong this week as it was in May, so the chance of seeing the aurora is less likely than it was then. However, it's still a possibility.
"If it's strong enough and hits the right way at the right time, the lights will become visible," said KGW Chief Meteorologist Matt Zaffino. "This will not be anywhere near as strong the May 10 solar maelstrom, so we should not expect that type of show. But, I’m saying there’s a chance."
For the best chance of seeing the northern lights in Oregon, get away from city lights and look to the north. The weather, at least, is expected to behave — with temperatures rising as the week goes on, there's not much cloud cover to obscure the night sky.
