Pacific Northwest's northern light chances increase again with latest solar flare. Here's what you need to know

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- An increase in solar activity on the sun brings another chance to see the northern lights in the Pacific Northwest Thursday night.

The 2024 year will go down in history as the year of the northern lights. An increase in the sun's solar activity with frequent solar flares continues to spark the interest of skywatchers. OMSI's director of space science education, Jim Todd, states that another aurora event could happen around western Oregon and southwest Washington on Thursday night.

Another powerful solar flare and Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) is sending more energy toward Earth after a sunspot flashed directly facing Earth Wednesday morning.

"SOHO coronagraphs have since detected a bright, fast-moving CME heading directly towards Earth. NOAA and NASA models agree that the CME will strike our plant late on October 10. NOAA forecasters say that a severe G4-class geomagnetic storm is possible when the CME arrives," Todd said.

The country's viewing line is expected to dive south once again Thursday. Much of Oregon and all of Washington will fall under this potential. Remember, northern lights are extremely difficult to predict. The big deterrent of Thursday night's view will be clouds over the Pacific Northwest.

However, a few breaks in the clouds could give skywatchers the chance to see the vibrant colors predicted over the night sky Thursday. The best time to look to the night sky is after sunset and through the midnight hour.

Look towards the northern horizon away from city lights. Some views won't be possible without the help of a long exposure camera.

Share your northern light photos with the KOIN 6 Weather Team for a chance to see your images on-air.