aww, crap.
On 3PM Eastern, a moderate solar flare will hit the earth. At night, the Aurora Borealis may be visible as far south as Oregon and Illinois.
info: http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/space/10/23/solar.forecast/index.html
info: http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/space/10/23/solar.forecast/index.html