Sunspot that Fueled Northern Lights Over Missouri is Returning

The saying what goes around comes around could not be truer than the sunspot which fueled the historic Northern Lights over Missouri a few weeks ago. It's about to face Earth again which could mean another light show is imminent.

I saw Space Weather mention that sunspot AR3664 is now AR3697. Note to scientists - Stop changing names of sunspots because it's confusing to guys like me. Let's put it this way. No one in my graduating class copied off of my science papers back in the day. Anyway, that sunspot is the one that was responsible for at least 7 major solar flares that caused the Northern Lights to be visible over Missouri on May 10 and May 11. Guess what? It's back and about to face Earth again and it's already fired off another X-flare.

Space.com says that this sunspot group could cause a repeat of the historic Northern Lights event that dazzled Missouri a few weeks ago and it could happen over the next couple of weeks.

Forbes was also excited about the possibilities that this big sunspot could make the skies colorful again, but the also mention something important and that is the Sun is a fickle object. What caused major solar flares earlier in May may not do the same thing as it gets ready to face Earth again.

There are no forecasts from NOAA yet about any imminent incoming solar flares, but it would be a good idea to pay attention to what the Sun is doing over the next few weeks. The skies over Missouri COULD get very colorful again.