Northern Lights May Be Visible In IL: Another Chance To See The Aurora

Illinois residents have another chance to see the Northern Lights this week, as geomagnetic storms are set to flare up through Wednesday.

The geomagnetic storm may reach a G3 rating, as a coronal mass ejection (CME) makes its way into the Earth's atmosphere, according to a forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Storms with a G3 rating are considered "strong" and can extend the visibility of auroras into Illinois and Oregon, per NOAA.

As of Monday, NOAA's Aurora Forecast shows the Northern Lights may be visible in the northernmost part of Illinois late Monday night and possibly Tuesday into Wednesday.

According to NOAA, here’s where they may be visible, along with Illinois: Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), conditions in and around Chicago are mostly cloudly Monday, and likely Tuesday as well. For optimal viewing of the Northern Lights, head out "just after sunset or just before sunrise," per NOAA. To time their viewing, skywatchers can visit NOAA's 30-minute Aurora Forecast page.

The Northern Lights were visible in Illinois amid geomagnetic storms in early November and mid-November. On Nov., 11, clear visibility led to some stunning photo ops of the Aurora Borealis for Illinois residents.