Coloradans may be able to see the aurora borealis Sunday night as a severe geomagnetic storm watch continues, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center issued a severe, G4 geomagnetic storm watch for Sunday, the second strongest storm level on the scale.
G4 storms are rare, according to space weather officials. When strong geomagnetic storms hit Earth, the northern lights will be visible at unusually low latitudes.
However, space weather officials said this storm’s orientation has been trending north, making it less likely the lights will be as visible as they have in the past.
“Should the orientation shift south … activity could escalate quickly,” space weather officials said.
Maps released by the Space Weather Prediction Center showing the northern lights’ projected reach Sunday night include the tip of northern Colorado.
The northern lights likely won’t be seen overhead if they do appear, but could be visible on Colorado’s northern horizon after dark if the skies remain clear, space weather officials said.
For the best chance to view the aurora borealis, Coloradans should head for an area as far north as possible that’s free from light pollution.
If they watch closely, they may be able to see the green, purple and pink lights with their naked eyes, space weather officials said. Cell phone cameras can also enhance the colors and make the northern lights easier to see.
The lights’ intensity and color will vary depending on the watcher’s distance from the aurora and how strong the geomagnetic storm is.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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