(WJW) – Skywatchers have been captivated by the stunning glow of an aurora, or “ northern lights ,” over Northeast Ohio lately. And, Thursday could bring another chance to witness what Space.com says is regarded as the “Holy Grail of skywatching.”
The atmospheric phenomenon takes place when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere. According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center , on Tuesday night, a fast coronal mass ejection erupted from the Sun and was expected to arrive at Earth on Thursday.
LOOK FOR IT: Rare, bright comet in October sky
FOX 8 meteorologists said the best time to view the lights will be from 10 p.m. Thursday until 4 a.m. Friday.
Earlier this year, U.S. News and World Report named the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights , Ohio certainly did not make the list. But, FOX 8 meteorologist said we’ve been fortunate to have so many recent opportunities.
See what appeared in some local northern lights pics
The series of pictures below were captured by FOX 8 photographer Eric Hunker at about 1 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8.