A severe geomagnetic storm watch is in place for Wednesday, November 12th. Watches are issued when solar activity threatens technology and infrastructure on Earth. Satellites are particularly vulnerable Energy companies implement power surge protections when watches are issued. Emergency systems prepare backup communication plans in case cellular phone technology fails. Aviation companies will adjust flight routes to avoid interference with navigation even if flights are tempted to get near the visual display we know as the northern lights.

For most, these watches mean that the northern lights will be possible farther south than normal, and after Tuesday’s brilliant display, Wednesday will offer another chance as another coronal mass ejection (CME) heads towards Earth. CMEs are surges of plasma and magnetic field from the sun that travel rapidly outwards into space. Earth just happens to be in the way this time.

If you didn’t get a chance to see the northern lights last night, the 11th, tonight presents another chance. Find a dark place after sunset and look through your camera in night mode for the brightest colors. Dark pinks were visible with the naked eye last night, as we were foggy blobs that with cameras appeared as bright green.