The Chicago area is set to witness yet another mesmerizing display of the Northern Lights as a "very rare" geomagnetic storm supercharges the night skies once again. Following the breathtaking light show on Friday night, a repeat performance is anticipated late Saturday, providing residents with another chance to witness this celestial phenomenon.

The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, illuminated the skies across a wide swath of the United States, captivating even those who seldom have the opportunity to witness this captivating event. Photos captured in locations around the world, including the Chicago area, showcased vibrant pink, purple, and green skies as the geomagnetic storm reached an intensity level of G5, the strongest since October 2003, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center.

For enthusiasts eager to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, the optimal time to venture outdoors will be after total darkness sets in, around 9 p.m. The peak visibility period is expected to be between then and midnight, according to NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Pete Sack. Although there will still be impressive displays after midnight, they may not reach the same intensity as those witnessed on Friday night.

According to the NOAA, the storming of varying intensity is forecasted to persist until at least Sunday. The G5 storm conditions brought by the aurora can potentially lead to voltage control issues, high-frequency radio outages, and possible damage to power grids and transformers. The NOAA has already received reports of power grid issues and degradation to GPS and other high-frequency communications.

The arrival of this "very rare" solar storm came ahead of expectations, prompting the NOAA to issue its first geomagnetic storm warning since 2005. As experts and enthusiasts gear up for Saturday's display, Michelle Nichols, director of public observing at the Adler Planetarium, offers some valuable tips for an optimal viewing experience. She advises viewers to venture away from light pollution and bright city lights since auroras tend to be dim. For those unable to travel, positioning bright lights behind them might increase their chances of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights, even if they are not immediately visible.

If the Northern Lights prove elusive to the naked eye, there is still hope of capturing this celestial spectacle using the time-lapse camera on a cell phone. Once Saturday's display concludes, there may be additional opportunities to witness the aurora borealis. The geomagnetic field is expected to reach "severe storm levels" on Sunday, followed by "active to severe storm levels" on Monday, and "unsettled to minor storm levels" on Tuesday.

As excitement builds for another chance to witness the Northern Lights in the Chicago area, locals are advised to seize the opportunity and take advantage of this extraordinary celestial event.