Northern lights visible in Pittsburgh area tonight

In Western Pennsylvania, the northern lights may be visible on Friday, October 4, 2024, according to First Alert Meteorologist Ray Petelin. The visibility of the aurora borealis is contingent on the K-index, which measures geomagnetic storm intensity. Typically, a K-index of 8 is needed for clear visibility, but forecasts suggest a level of 6 or 7 for Friday, indicating a higher chance of sightings compared to previous days. On Thursday, there was a possibility of seeing the lights, but conditions have improved for Friday night. However, the K-index is expected to weaken on Saturday, reducing the likelihood of visibility. For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the northern lights, it is advised to find a dark location and look towards the northern horizon, allowing time for the eyes to adjust to the darkness. This phenomenon has been observed in the Pittsburgh area multiple times this year, including a notable occurrence in August when both the aurora borealis and the Perseid meteor shower were visible. The northern lights are caused by geomagnetic storms that send solar wind towards Earth, where charged particles interact with the atmosphere, creating vibrant colors in the sky. Such clear sightings of the northern lights are rare in this region, making this event particularly special for local residents.