Will the northern lights be visible in Colorado tonight?

Coloradans have the chance to witness the aurora borealis on Sunday night as a severe geomagnetic storm watch remains in effect, as per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a severe, G4 geomagnetic storm watch for Sunday, marking it as the second strongest storm level on the scale.

According to space weather officials, G4 storms are rare. When powerful geomagnetic storms impact the Earth, the northern lights can be seen at lower latitudes than usual.

However, officials mentioned that the current storm’s orientation has been moving north, reducing the likelihood of the lights being as visible as in previous events.

“Should the orientation shift south… activity could escalate quickly,” shared space weather officials.

The Space Weather Prediction Center has released maps showing the projected reach of the northern lights on Sunday night, including the northern tip of Colorado.

If visible, the northern lights are not expected to be directly overhead but may be seen on Colorado’s northern horizon after sunset if the sky remains clear, noted space weather officials.

To increase the chances of spotting the aurora borealis, individuals in Colorado should head to a location as far north as possible with minimal light pollution.

By observing closely, they may be able to see the green, purple, and pink lights with the naked eye, as indicated by space weather officials. Additionally, cell phone cameras can help enhance the colors and make the northern lights more visible.

The intensity and color of the lights will vary depending on the observer’s distance from the aurora and the strength of the geomagnetic storm.

This story is developing and may be updated.