Solar storm in progress: Northern lights tonight?

The sun is springing to life the last few days in what astronomers are calling a "complex solar eruption."

Sunspot 1098 marks an uptick in activity with solar cycle 24. The sun is expected to become much more active as it heads toward a solar peak in the next 2 years.

The first burst of solar energy has hit the earth today. Check out this from spaceweather.com today.

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CME IMPACT! The first of possibly two incoming CMEs hit Earth's magnetic field today at approximately 1730 UT (1:30 pm EDT). As a result of the impact, a polar geomagnetic storm is brewing. High-latitude sky watchers should be alert for auroras after nightfall.

Here's a video of the eruption from August 1st.

Keep an eye out for possible northern lights which may be visible as far south as Missouri tonight!

PH