Northern Lights Possible Over MI Tuesday Night

Michiganders may be able to see the northern lights again Tuesday night due to an ongoing G4 geomagnetic storm.

The viewing line covers the entire Upper Peninsula down to the Traverse City, Cadillac and Manistee areas. However, forecasters are calling for somewhat cloudy skies with chances for snow flurries in the region, likely hindering chances to see the Aurora.

Storms with at least a G3 rating are considered "strong." The viewing line reached as far south as Missouri on Monday, according to reports.

Forecasters believe the storm will produce a Kp index of 4 Tuesday night. They use the Kp index to determine the intensity of the storm. It is judged on a grading scale from zero to 9. An index of 5 or greater typically means the northern lights may be visible across Michigan.

Space forecasters encourage aurora hunters to get as far away from city lights as possible and scan the northern horizon. Even if you don’t see anything, take a photo of the northern sky with your cellphone camera. The devices are better than the human eye in picking up northern lights.