Fingers crossed

Let’s have a clear night tonight!From spaceweather.com:

GEOMAGNETIC STORM: A strong-to-severe geomagnetic storm is in progress following the impact of a coronal mass ejection (CME) at approximately 12:15 UT on Sept. 26th. The Goddard Space Weather Lab reports a “strong compression of Earth’s magnetosphere. Simulations indicate that solar wind plasma [has penetrated] close to geosynchronous orbit starting at 13:00UT.” Geosynchronous satellites could therefore be directly exposed to solar wind plasma and magnetic fields. High-latitude sky watchers should be alert for Northern and Southern Lights after nightfall. Aurora alerts: text, voice.

Planetary K-index
Now: Kp= 8 severe
24-hr max: Kp= 8 severe

(The K-index is out of 9)

Sadly we may not get to see much in Fairbanks, but the lower 48 should get a show. Typically when the K index is real high we get more diffuse aurora and only short bursts of the good stuff. We’ll see what happens!

*****Update*****

Here’s the latest statistical map from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. The more in the darker the green band you are, the better chance you have to see it. So northern U.S. watch out!