Northern lights likely again in Pacific Northwest after major solar flare

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Another round of the northern lights is possible over the Pacific Northwest Thursday night and early Friday morning.

One of the strongest solar flares of this cycle was observed by NOAA and NASA satellites Thursday, October 3, 2024. Scientists are calling this the strongest solar flare since 2017. Now, a plume of plasma and magnetic energy is taking aim at Earth.

Thankfully, the skies over western Oregon and southwest Washington will remain clear Thursday night into Friday morning. Like previous aurora nights, the best chance to see the northern lights is away from light-polluted areas. Traveling away from city lights and finding a dark clear location is the best chance to see the astronomical event.

Keep in mind, space weather is even more difficult to predict than the weather here on Earth. So, there is a chance to see the northern lights Thursday night, but uncertainties still remain.

Make sure you're looking towards the northern horizon well after sunset Thursday night. The best viewing chances will likely occur around midnight.

If you're having trouble seeing the lights, look through your camera phone. The longer exposure most phones have will allow you to view the sights.

If you capture a photo or video of Thursday's northern lights, share them with the KOIN 6 Weather Team here for a chance to have them featured on KOIN 6 News.