Northern Lights May Dazzle Across 20 U.S. States Tonight

GLENDO, Wyoming — The northern lights could put on a remarkable display tonight as geomagnetic storm conditions continue to push the auroras further south than usual. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Earth is still feeling the effects of a coronal mass ejection (CME) that struck early on June 1, disrupting Earth’s magnetic field and creating mesmerizing light displays worldwide.

Space weather forecasters predict a strong (G3) geomagnetic storm is likely, with minor (G1) intervals possible. The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center anticipates that the Kp index will rise to 6.67 in the next 24 hours. The Kp index measures geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater auroral activity.

If you’re hoping to see the northern lights tonight, a viewing location with minimal light pollution is essential. Alaska is expected to have the best chance of seeing the auroras, but if G3 storms occur, auroras could be visible as far south as the border states.

Fifteen states have been highlighted as having the potential to view the northern lights, with Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Massachusetts ranked by likelihood based on distance from the auroral oval.

The best viewing time is around 1 a.m. local time, as darkness becomes limited during the summer months. Skywatchers are encouraged to use their smartphones to capture images since the device’s camera can often detect auroras invisible to the naked eye.

For optimal viewing conditions, experts recommend downloading a space weather app, such as “My Aurora Forecast & Alerts,” which can provide real-time updates on aurora visibility based on your location.

Happy aurora hunting, and keep your fingers crossed for clear skies!