Northern Lights Expected in Chicago Area Tonight

 Northern Lights Expected in Chicago Area Tonight: How to Watch & Capture Photos

The Northern Lights visible in Montgomery, Ill. on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

Christy Nameche

Northern Lights Visible Over Chicago

If you're in the Chicago area tonight, be sure to look up! The northern lights—an awe-inspiring celestial event—are making an appearance, with sightings already reported in Richmond and other parts of northern Illinois. Videos and photos of the shimmering aurora have been shared across social media, capturing the natural wonder as it dances across the night sky.

Why Are the Northern Lights Appearing in Illinois?

This rare sight is thanks to a severe solar storm that could even put additional stress on power grids, especially as the U.S. deals with significant weather events like major back-to-back hurricanes. On Wednesday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a geomagnetic storm watch for Thursday into Friday. The storm, triggered by a recent solar flare, has the potential to disrupt power and radio signals temporarily.

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Storm's Reach and Potential Impact

The northern lights could extend as far south as the lower Midwest and even Northern California. However, the exact locations and times of visibility are difficult to predict. The NOAA advises that the most promising viewing conditions are likely to occur in areas with minimal light pollution and clear skies.

How to Capture the Northern Lights on Your Phone

Even if the auroras aren’t immediately visible to the naked eye, smartphones often have the ability to capture them in greater detail than our eyes can perceive. Here are some tips for photographing the northern lights:

1. Use Night Mode: Most modern smartphones have a night mode that enhances low-light photography.
2. Stabilize Your Phone: Use a tripod or hold your phone steady to avoid blurriness.
3. Increase Exposure Time: If you have control over exposure settings, extend the exposure time to capture more light.
4. Adjust ISO Settings: A higher ISO setting can also help capture the colors and details of the aurora.

The Sun's Role and Current Activity

This current solar activity is part of the sun's 11-year cycle, which is reaching its peak. Back in May, a similar solar storm produced stunning auroras visible across the Northern Hemisphere, although there were no significant disruptions. Increased solar activity can create breathtaking aurora displays but may also pose challenges for power grids and communication systems.

For those in the Chicago area tonight, take advantage of this opportunity to experience the northern lights. Get outside, point your smartphone at the sky, and you might just capture a once-in-a-lifetime photo.