ARKANSAS, USA — We may be in for a celestial treat Thursday night into Friday morning as strong solar activity may allow some across the country, including in Arkansas and Oklahoma, to see the northern lights.
The recent solar activity, known as solar flares, have released massive amounts of energy from the sun in the form of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). This energy will interact with Earth's magnetic field, in the form of a geomagnetic storm, potentially creating the stunning light display known as the aurora borealis or "northern lights."
It's not common to see the northern lights as far south as Arkansas and Oklahoma, however, recent solar activity has been much stronger than normal. Given the unusual strength, scientists at NOAA suggest it is possible to see the northern lights as far south as Texas.
It's important to note that this is far from an exact science, especially in such rare conditions. With that said, this is likely our best chance to see the dancing lights since this past May.
Best Time To Look
The most important thing to have when looking for the lights tonight is patience! Given the fickle nature of this phenomena, it's impossible to nail down an exact window, though between 8 p.m. and midnight is the best window of opportunity.
The northern lights could last anywhere from minutes to hours, so it's worth keeping an eye on the sky throughout the night.
Additionally, it's recommended to go outside a little earlier and let your eyes adjust to the darkness.
Where To Go
To maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights, head to areas with minimal light pollution. Rural areas with higher elevation and a clear view to the north will offer the best chances for an aurora sighting.
Astronomers recommend looking north toward the horizon where the aurora is most likely to appear, though it could potentially spread across a wider portion of the sky.
Will It Be Visible With The Naked Eye?
It's near impossible to say for sure whether the aurora will be visible with the naked eye. Back in May you needed to look through your cell phone camera or a long exposure lens. That may be the case again.
Will The Weather Cooperate?
The good news is that the weather conditions should support optimal viewing should the lights appear. Our skies will be mostly clear across Oklahoma and Arkansas. If you plan to be outside looking for them, you may want a light jacket. Tap here to find an hour-by-hour forecast for your location.
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