A spectacular Northern Lights event is expected across large parts of the U.S. tonight as a powerful solar storm reaches Earth’s atmosphere. The phenomenon, triggered by a coronal mass ejection (CME) on August 30, will make auroras visible much farther south than usual.
Visibility: Which States Will See Auroras?
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Northern Lights could be visible in 18 states, including:
- Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine
- South Dakota, Vermont, New Hampshire, Idaho, Washington, Oregon
- New York, Wyoming, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois
This is one of the most widespread aurora forecasts in recent years, stretching from the Pacific Northwest to the Midwest and Northeast.
When to See the Northern Lights Tonight
The best time to watch will be between midnight and 3–5 AM local time. For the best view:
- Go to a dark area away from city lights
- Look toward the northern horizon
- Check for clear skies
A bright moon may slightly reduce visibility, but vibrant auroras are still expected.
Why Are Northern Lights So Far South?
Experts say the Sun is near its solar maximum, the peak of its 11-year activity cycle, which increases the frequency of geomagnetic storms. The current event could reach G3 (strong) levels and possibly G4 (severe) by early Tuesday, making it one of the strongest aurora displays in years.
What Causes the Northern Lights?
The aurora borealis occurs when charged particles from the Sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, creating glowing colors:
- Green – oxygen at lower altitudes
- Red – oxygen at higher altitudes
- Blue and purple – nitrogen
