Northern Lights May Be Visible Across More Than a Dozen U.S. States Tonight
By Zamal Uddin
A dazzling display of the northern lights (aurora borealis) could light up the skies across more than a dozen U.S. states tonight, thanks to a minor geomagnetic storm forecasted by experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, residents in several northern states — including Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine — could catch a glimpse of the auroras between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. local time.
Why the Northern Lights Are Visible Now
Auroras occur when charged particles from the sun collide with atoms and molecules in Earth’s atmosphere, releasing bursts of colorful light. The current solar cycle is reaching peak activity, also known as the solar maximum, increasing both sunspots and magnetic activity. This heightened solar energy has caused more frequent and vibrant northern lights over the past year.
NASA and NOAA predict that strong aurora activity will continue into 2026, offering stargazers more opportunities to see the phenomenon.
Best Viewing Tips
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Travel away from city lights to the darkest locations possible.
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The auroras may appear in shades of green, pink, and purple, especially with the moon rising later in the night sky.
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Even if the lights are faint to the naked eye, smartphones and digital cameras may capture them more vividly.
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Platforms like Aurorasaurus allow users to receive real-time alerts and share sightings of aurora activity.
More to Come
Some northern states may also witness additional aurora displays tomorrow night, according to NOAA’s aurora forecast maps.
With the solar cycle at one of its most active phases in more than a decade, skywatchers across North America are advised to keep looking up — spectacular natural light shows could continue in the months ahead.
The northern lights may shine across more than a dozen U.S. states tonight, from Washington to Maine, due to a minor geomagnetic storm. NOAA forecasts peak viewing between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.
: Northern lights visible in U.S. tonight
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