Geomagnetic storm watch in effect: more northern lights?

After an incredible display of northern lights earlier this month, the active region that produced aurora as far south as Florida will once again be facing the Earth.

A dazzling display of northern lights was visible earlier this month as far as the southern U.S. The G5-level geomagnetic storms that produced the incredible auroras came from sunspot regions 3663 and 3664. These sunspots have reemerged from the backside of the sun and may produce more incredible aurora into June.

These sunspot regions are also back with new names as the sun's rotation points toward the Earth once again. Sunspot region 3663 is now 3691, and region 3664 is now 3697. These two regions are unusual since they have survived the sun's full rotation (27 days) and are still producing strong flares. Most sunspots last two to three weeks.

Sunspot 3697 (formerly Region 3664) unleashed an X-1.4 solar flare on Wednesday morning. A coronal mass ejection (CME) associated with that flare will arrive tonight, prompting a G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm watch for Friday night into Saturday morning. Aurora will be seen in Canada and as far south as the U.S.'s northern tier.

Keep an eye on the sky and check the WeatherRadar for sky conditions in your area.