Hoosiers Might Catch a Glimpse of the Northern Lights This Week — Here’s What You Need to Know

f you’re a skywatcher living in Indiana, there’s exciting news: the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, might just be visible this Thursday and Friday night. While this stunning natural light show is usually reserved for more northern regions, increased solar activity could push the lights far enough south for northern Indiana residents to witness this rare spectacle. And honestly, how often do we get to say that?

Why Are the Northern Lights Possible in Indiana?

Let’s break it down. Normally, the northern lights stick to places like Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia—but every once in a while, we get lucky down here. The sun has been super active lately, throwing off solar flares and coronal mass ejections (essentially solar explosions), and when that energy hits Earth’s magnetic field, it produces those beautiful glowing colors in the sky.

This particular flare was fast—about 2.5 million miles per hour—so space weather experts from NOAA have issued a severe geomagnetic storm warning. It’s a big deal because this storm, rated at G4, is strong enough to make the lights visible further south than usual. That puts parts of Indiana, especially the northern half, in the potential viewing zone.

Where and When to Look

Here’s the tricky part—space weather, like Midwest weather, can be unpredictable. According to Dr. Aarran Shaw from Butler University, the best chances to catch the northern lights will be Thursday night, especially for those living in northern Indiana. Friday night might not be as promising, but there’s still a chance.

The key to spotting the aurora is getting away from light pollution. If you’re serious about seeing it, think about heading to darker areas like Indiana Dunes State Park or Beverly Shores. Both of these spots are known for their dark skies, perfect for stargazing. If you’re willing to travel a bit further, Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park just across the border in Michigan is another great option.

Timing Is Everything

Timing matters, too. The best time to catch the lights will be between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.—so maybe have some coffee handy to stay awake. NOAA experts suggest that the lights are usually most visible right around midnight, but there’s no exact science to it.

And yes, it’s possible that you might only see a faint glow if they appear at all. Indiana’s not known for vivid auroras like those in Alaska or Canada, but the possibility of even a hint of those magical colors should be enough to tempt any sky lover to step outside.

What You Need for the Best Viewing Experience

Let’s be real—it’s mid-October in Indiana, so it’ll be chilly at night. Bundle up if you plan to head out. Grab a blanket, wear layers, and maybe even take a thermos of something warm. If you’re serious about capturing the moment, bring a camera with long-exposure settings, though don’t stress too much if you don’t have fancy equipment—sometimes, the best thing to do is just enjoy the view.

What’s Going On With the Sun?

The solar maximum—the period when the sun is at its most active—occurs every 11 years or so, and we’re right in the middle of one now. This means we’re likely to see more solar flares and geomagnetic storms over the next few months. If you don’t catch the northern lights this week, there could be more opportunities down the road, though it’s impossible to predict exactly when.

Will you definitely see the northern lights in Indiana this week? Honestly, who knows? Space weather is tricky to predict, and while experts are optimistic, there are no guarantees. But here’s the thing—even if you don’t catch a full-blown light show, you’ll still have spent some time under the stars, disconnected from daily life, enjoying the stillness of the night.

So why not give it a shot? Grab a jacket, gather some friends, and head out to a dark spot. Best case scenario? You’ll witness one of the most awe-inspiring sights nature has to offer. Worst case? You’ll have had a peaceful night stargazing, which isn’t such a bad consolation prize.