Aurora Borealis Visible in Missoula Tonight After Rare Solar Flares

Most Missoulians have never had the chance to see the aurora borealis, or "northern lights," from their home city, but a series of oddly powerful solar flares will change that this weekend.

"Earlier this week, three separate X-class flares erupted from the sun," said Missoula National Weather Service meteorologist Jeff Kitzmiller. "Those three flares will hit tonight [Friday Sept. 12], Saturday night and again on Sunday night.

Both Friday and Saturday night's aurora borealis should be visible from Missoula, though the big show is expected to be on Saturday. Prime time viewing on Saturday has not yet been determined, but the aurora should be visible starting at midnight tonight.

Kitzmiller also had some tips for seeing the lights:

• Look low in the sky.
• Being higher up will help.
• Try to get out of the city if you can, to avoid light pollution.
• Most importantly, look north!

More information about space weather can be found here. 

For a detailed projection of where the Aurora will be visible and what the peak times are expected to be click on the link below. Information for Saturday night should be updated some time today!