ST. LOUIS — The Northern Lights, a rare spectacle in southern Illinois and Missouri, were visible Thursday night due to an unusually strong geomagnetic storm. The K index, which measures auroral activity, reached 8 to 9, allowing for widespread visibility.
Tonight, however, the auroral activity has decreased significantly. The K index has dropped to around 5, pushing the optimal viewing area farther north. Despite this, forecasters suggest there’s still a slight chance of seeing the aurora on the horizon in parts of Missouri and Illinois.
Those hoping to catch a glimpse tonight should drive to areas far from city lights with clear views. The display is not expected to be as impressive as last night’s show. You may be able to use your phone to capture colors of the faint aurora.
Viewer images from Thursday night:
