Earth is experiencing a level G3 geomagnetic storm Wednesday that will produce aurora borealis, known as the northern lights, after it gets dark.

Aurora chasers in the D.C. region should check the latest aurora forecast at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center website. For the best chance of seeing the northern lights, get outside after dark to a place far from bright lights with a clear view of the northern horizon.

Come equipped with a smartphone or other camera, and if you see aurora, or even if you don’t, take a picture with an exposure of several seconds.

There were several aurora sightings in the D.C. area in 2024, and this is the region’s first real chance to see the northern lights in 2025.

Here’s to clear skies Wednesday night and (fingers crossed) to aurora.

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