Space Weather News for August 20, 2002<br />http://www.spaceweather.com<br /><br />As night fell across North America on Tuesday, August 20th, the<br />interplanetary magnetic field near Earth turned south--a condition that<br />favors geomagnetic activity and Northern Lights. At the time this notice<br />was issued (Aug. 20th at 8:30 p.m. PDT) a geomagnetic storm was in<br />progress with observers in New Hampshire reporting colorful auroras. Sky<br />watchers should remain alert for Northern Lights so long as the storm<br />continues (visit spaceweather.com for updates). Canada, Alaska and the<br />northern tier of US states (from Maine to Michigan to Washington) are<br />favored; the hours around local midnight are usually the best times to<br />look.