Experience the Magic: Northern Lights Could Dazzle in 18 States Tonight!

The northern lights might light up the skies over Canada and parts of the U.S. tonight! A recent solar event, known as a coronal mass ejection, has set the stage for this colorful display. The NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center indicates that this phenomenon will affect the Earth’s magnetic field late tonight into early Tuesday, creating an opportunity to see the aurora borealis.

About 18 states in the U.S. could witness this stunning show. While it isn’t expected to be as intense as previous displays in 2024, many enthusiasts are excited as this may be one of the best views since spring.

What exactly are the northern lights? They occur due to interactions between charged particles from the sun and Earth’s atmosphere. These vibrant displays are most commonly seen near the poles. Interestingly, the sun goes through an 11-year cycle, flipping its magnetic poles, which can lead to incredible auroral activity. This year’s solar activity is likely to continue strong at least until year-end.

In 2024, a major geomagnetic storm resulted in spectacular lights across the Northern Hemisphere, with some areas far beyond the Arctic Circle also enjoying the view.

When should you look for the lights tonight? The NOAA predicts the geomagnetic storm will peak between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Eastern Time. If you’re in places like Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, or even as far south as Idaho and Nebraska, you might get lucky.

To catch the best view, seek out a quiet area, away from city lights. Local parks or nature spots offer good vantage points. Just be sure to check the weather, as clouds can obstruct this natural spectacle.

For more details about the nightly forecast, you can check NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

So, gear up for a magical night and keep your eyes on the skies!

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Northern Lights