Northern Lights Could Be Visible Tonight In CT

Residents across dozens of states, including Connecticut, may have an opportunity to view the Northern Lights Monday night due to a significant solar eruption that happened Sunday.

"We may see northern lights in the sky within our local area tonight," the National Weather Service's New York office said on social media.

The Space Weather Prediction Center shows in its map that Connecticut should be able to see the Northern Lights Monday night. The forecast calls for cloudy skies but clearing late and temperatures down into the teens tonight.

"An S4 severe solar radiation storm is now in progress - this is the largest solar radiation storm in over 20 years," according to the Space Weather Prediction Center. "The last time S4 levels were observed was in October, 2003. Potential effects are mainly limited to space launch, aviation, and satellite operations."

The sun released a powerful burst of charged particles, known as a coronal mass ejection. This cloud of particles is projected to reach Earth on Monday night or early Tuesday. When these particles interact with Earth's magnetic field, they have the chance of creating vibrant aurora displays.NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a "Severe" geomagnetic storm watch for Monday night. The event is anticipated to reach a level 4 out of 5 on NOAA's space weather scale. Such a rating indicates a strong potential for widespread aurora visibility.

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According to NOAA, areas as far south as Alabama and Northern California might be able to observe the aurora during the peak. In regions even further south, cameras may be capable of capturing faint colors, even if the lights are not easily discernible to the naked eye.

Forecasters say this represents one of the best opportunities in several months to witness the natural phenomenon.

The chance to see auroras is likely to be a one-night event, although it could linger into Tuesday night in parts of Canada and the far northern U.S., AccuWeather said.

Kara Seymour, Patch Staff contributed to this story.