AURORA THE NEXT FEW NIGHTS?
Hey, Space Placers!
Easter Island Moai statue
Before I get into the Aurora, I wanted to share with you this incredible statue on Eastern Island. I got to see a few more and they were spell binding. Read about them.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/ issued this statement https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/news/g2-watch-19-21-march-due-cme-and-ch-hss-effects this morning:
G2 WATCH FOR 19-21 MARCH DUE TO CME AND CH HSS EFFECTS
published: Thursday, March 19, 2026 13:53 UTC
“A G2 Watch is in effect 19-21 March due to a mix of potential CME arrivals and CH HSS effects. While there is a high level of uncertainty related to the CME arrivals, there is more certainty regarding the likely CH HSS effects to begin by 21 March, with at least a G2 storm levels likely. There is at least a slight chance for G3 (Strong) storm conditions throughout this period. Continue to follow our webpage for the latest forecasts and updates about this.
What makes this forecast rather intriguing is explained by spaceweather.com:
“NOAA's latest forecast model predicts two CME impacts this week--the first on March 19th and the second on March 21st. The timing of this double-blow is perfect for amplification by the "Russell-McPherron effect, which boosts storms that happen around the vernal equinox. Moderately-strong G2-class geomagnetic storms are possible every day for the rest of this week.”
If their forecasts hold - readers need to keep checking the NOAA website for updates - Aurora conditions for the DMV might - emphasizing “might” here - develop the next few nights. I’m providing this forecast to you because of the unique circumstances involved which are a story in their own right as well as the possibility of Aurora.
It will be worth taking a look to the North the next few nights after dark until dawn from a dark sky site with a clear horizon. You might be able to visually detect some color in the sky if bright Aurora are present but they will likely be low on the Northern horizon.
Your camera and/or smartphone significantly improve your chances of detecting and imaging the Aurora due to their digital sensors. Even if you do not see Aurora, photograph the Northern horizon to possibly get an image of them.
Use a camera or smartphone that can take exposures of several seconds - including using “Night Sky” or “Low Light” settings if your camera has them - of the Northern horizon. Steady the camera or use a tripod for best image results. The camera can capture Aurora that your eyes did not https://www.space.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora .
Our weather is not promising so our best bet is to monitor Clear Sky Chart (input your location) https://www.cleardarksky.com/csk/ for sky conditions, NOAA https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/ and space related social media sites spaceweatherlive.com , EarthSky.org , space.com for Aurora viewing updates. There also are Aurora apps available as well to help you; I use Aurora Pro and Glendale App.
Good luck, Aurora chasers…….
Sky Guy Back in VA
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