The Northern Lights Could Dazzle This Weekend—Here's Where to Look

Don't miss it.

Aurora borealis over a body of water at night
Credit:

Steve Luther - SkyVista Photography / Getty Images
  • A minor (G1) geomagnetic storm caused by fast solar winds could make the northern lights visible across up to 10 northern U.S. states tonight into early morning. The Kp index is forecast to peak at 4.67, meaning auroras may extend farther south than usual.
  • States with the best chance of seeing the aurora include Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, and Alaska, based on NOAA guidance.
  • The best viewing window is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. in a dark area with a clear northern horizon, and using a phone camera can help detect faint auroras better than the naked eye.

Attention skywatchers! You may have a chance to see the northern lights tonight into early tomorrow morning.

According to the latest forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), a minor (G1) geomagnetic storm sparked by fast-moving solar winds could make auroras visible across as many as 10 northern states. The Kp index is expected to peak at 4.67 on a scale of 9. The higher the number, the farther south the northern lights can appear.

Right now, the SWPC's aurora view line is unavailable, but in the meantime, the agency suggests using its 3-day forecast, which is updated daily. "By matching the forecast Kp value in that product with the auroral southern perimeter generalization noted here, you can ascertain an idea of just how far south the aurora might be noted," the SWPC's website states.

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Based on that information, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, and Alaska are the states that are most likely to see the northern lights tonight.

To see the northern lights, head outside between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time and find a dark location with a clear, unobstructed view of the northern horizon, away from light pollution. Be sure to give your eyes time to adjust (at least 20 to 30 minutes, if possible). Use your phone's camera to scan the sky, as it's better at picking up faint auroras than the naked eye.

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