Solar Storm Slams Earth

WASHINGTON (AP) — A solar storm zapped Earth on Friday but it was causing few, if any, problems. It also may allow more people to see the colorful northern lights.  Clear skies are expected in southeast Minnesota tonight, which means it could be good viewing.

Space Weather Prediction Center forecaster Chris Smith said the storm left the sun on Wednesday and first arrived on Earth at 8:55 a.m. Central Daylight Time, and will continue disrupting the magnetic field through Saturday. It will likely only be noticed by specialized equipment.

He said it was a strong hit for Earth — the biggest since June last year. But he said the strongest of the energized particles went just above Earth.

Areas as far south as Seattle; Des Moines, Iowa; Chicago; Cleveland and Albany, New York, potentially could see the northern lights Friday and Saturday nights, depending on the weather and lighting conditions.