A forecast of clear skies and solar flares Friday night means it might be possible to view the northern lights in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, according to the National Weather Service in Moon.

The phenomenon, also called the aurora borealis, could be visible this far south of the Arctic Circle because of a geomagnetic storm — a flare from the sun — that might create changes in the atmosphere, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s space weather center.

They also are more likely to be seen because clear skies are expected, National Weather Service meteorologist Bill Modzelewski said.

“If it is strong enough, we would be able to see some of it (lights),” Modzelewski said.

Alright gang – here we go. Multiple rounds of geomagnetic storming could induce several nights of northern lights displays.

Much of the northern U.S. and Canada will have a chance to see the aurora.

Best display may come Saturday night. Uncertainty high, but so is potential. pic.twitter.com/pDNXudY0dw

— Matthew Cappucci (@MatthewCappucci) October 3, 2024

The view would be even better if you could travel to northern Canada or Alaska, Modzelewski said

The show could start in the late evening, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it could peak between midnight and 3 a.m. Friday. It didn’t have times forecast for Friday night into Saturday morning.

The last time the region experienced a flare-up of the sun was about six to eight weeks ago, Modzelewski said.

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