Auroras may be visible again in Missouri tonight

Central Missouri had another rare opportunity to view the northern lights on Thursday night due to a strong solar storm. These effects will linger into the weekend and could bring the auroras back again tonight, but it will likely not be as brilliant.

Check out a gallery of the views of Thursday's northern lights.

The geomagnetic storm that produced last night's auroras was rated an extreme G5, the highest rating for these storms. This was the same rating as the storm that brought the auroras back in May. For Friday night, the forecast is down to a G3 strong storm which will reduce the intensity and extent of the auroras. In G3 conditions the auroras have been observed as far south as Southern Illinois/Northern Missouri.

Tonight's northern lights could possibly be seen with a camera in the best conditions, but the forecast will need to reach its maximum potential. For the best viewing, head outside between 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. tonight away from city lights. Take long exposure shots with your phone to draw out the colors of the aurora and be patient! The auroras will flare in and out with visibility better or worse sometimes, so don't get discouraged if you don't see them immediately.