Northern Lights may be visible in Washington, Oregon thanks to solar storm (PHOTOS)

Image: University of Alaska Fairbanks



SEATTLE -- The National Weather Service in Seattle says much of the country including the Pacific Northwest may get a glimpse of the Northern Lights on Tuesday if the weather cooperates.

The auroras are a result of a geomagnetic storm that began earlier in the day.



Meteorologists say we could see the auroras as far south as California as long as there are enough breaks in the clouds.

The National Weather Service in Portland received reports of the Northern Lights being seen early Tuesday morning.



NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center explains the phenomenon:

"When space weather activity increases and more frequent and larger storms and substorms occur, the aurora extends equatorward. During large events, the aurora can be observed as far south as the US, Europe, and Asia. During very large events, the aurora can be observed even farther from the poles. (Tips on viewing the aurora and maps of the typical extent of the aurora). Of course, to observe the aurora, the skies must be clear and free of clouds. It must also be dark so during the summer months at auroral latitudes, the midnight sun prevents auroral observations."