Potential northern lights and planetary sights in DC region Thursday

Key Points:

• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G3 geomagnetic storm watch for June 4-5, forecasting the arrival of combined coronal mass ejections (CMEs) around mid-afternoon on June 4, with potential storm activity continuing into the evening and overnight hours of June 5.
• A rare "cannibal CME," which occurs when a faster CME overtakes and engulfs a slower one, is expected to strike Earth during this period, increasing the likelihood of strong geomagnetic storms and possible auroras visible in parts of North America and Europe.
• While the upcoming storm is not expected to be as intense as the one in May 2024, observers in the D.C. area and other northern locations are encouraged to look north after dark on June 4 for potential aurora sightings, especially from dark sites with clear horizons.
• Photographers are advised to use cameras or smartphones with long exposure or low-light settings to capture auroras, as these devices can detect faint displays that might not be visible to the naked eye.
• Weather conditions appear favorable for viewing, and sky watchers should monitor updates from NOAA, Clear Sky Chart, and space-related websites and apps like Aurora Pro for the latest information on aurora visibility.