Northern Lights May Dazzle Skies Across the U.S. Tonight
A rare and breathtaking show may be unfolding in the night sky tonight. The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are expected to be visible across more than a dozen states thanks to a minor geomagnetic storm, according to space weather experts. This kind of storm, caused by solar activity interacting with Earth’s magnetic field, can push the glowing bands of light much farther south than usual.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center has forecasted that states like Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine may all catch a glimpse. Even parts of Wyoming and Alaska are in play. In some of the northernmost regions, more displays may continue into Tuesday night.
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Conditions are lining up for especially vibrant colors this time. Since the moon is rising later in the night, the sky will be darker for longer stretches. That darker canvas makes the streaks of green, pink, and even hints of purple stand out more vividly. The best viewing hours are expected between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. local time, though the auroras often peak close to midnight.
So, what exactly creates this celestial dance? The aurora borealis happens when charged particles from a solar flare collide with atoms and molecules in Earth’s upper atmosphere. Those collisions release energy in the form of light, painting the sky with moving waves of color. Because the sun is currently in the most active stage of its 11-year cycle, known as the solar maximum, solar flares and sunspots have been more frequent. This heightened activity is what’s making northern lights displays more common and visible further south.
For those planning to watch, experts recommend heading away from city lights and seeking out the darkest possible spot. High vantage points, open fields, or remote parks work best. Even if the lights appear faint to the naked eye, digital cameras and smartphones may capture them in more detail, since sensors can pick up on subtle shades invisible to us.
Weather could still play a deciding role. Some states are expecting cloud cover or storms, which may block the view. But for areas with clear skies, tonight could offer one of the most memorable skywatching opportunities of the year.
With solar activity expected to remain strong into 2026, nights like this may become more frequent. But each display is fleeting, unpredictable, and never quite the same. For anyone lucky enough to step outside tonight and see the northern lights, it will be an unforgettable reminder of the mysterious power of our sun and the beauty it creates here on Earth.
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