Experience the Magic: Northern Lights Visible Tonight in 17+ States!

Attention, aurora enthusiasts! Tonight, the northern lights might put on another stunning display. Recent activity from a coronal mass ejection (CME) linked to a powerful X5.1 solar flare could lead to spectacular sights across the sky.

Experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expect the geomagnetic activity to be high, possibly reaching strong (G3) or even severe (G4) levels. In fact, the U.K. Met Office has issued a G5 watch for specific hours today, signaling extreme conditions.

Just last night, many people enjoyed breathtaking auroras, with sightings reported from as far north as Alaska to as south as Mexico. What a treat for those who witnessed it! If you’re still buzzing from last night’s display, you might want to catch tonight’s show, too.

Where to See the Northern Lights Tonight

According to NOAA’s aurora forecast, 17 U.S. states might get a glimpse of the northern lights tonight. Here’s the list:

1. Alaska
2. Washington
3. North Dakota
4. Montana
5. Minnesota
6. Idaho
7. South Dakota
8. Wisconsin
9. Oregon
10. Michigan
11. Vermont
12. New Hampshire
13. Wyoming
14. New York
15. Iowa
16. Nebraska
17. Illinois

However, the auroras have a mind of their own. Conditions could allow them to be visible even farther south, depending on the weather and geomagnetic activity.

Timing for Tonight’s Show

If you’re hoping to catch the lights, your best bet is to start looking once it’s dark. NOAA suggests these times for peak viewing:

• 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. EST: Strong G3 storming possible
• 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. EST: Moderate G2 storming possible

How to Increase Your Chances of Viewing the Northern Lights

If you’re in one of the forecasted states, here are a few tips to enhance your chances of spotting the auroras:

• Find a dark, open spot with a clear view of the northern horizon.
• Use your phone’s camera to scan the sky; it can detect auroras that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
• Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for at least 30 minutes.
• Dress warmly; you might be outside for a while, and comfort is key!

For those keen on tracking space weather, consider downloading apps like “My Aurora Forecast” or “Space Weather Live.” They provide updates tailored to your location, helping you plan your aurora hunting.

Experts emphasize the importance of clear skies and low light pollution for optimal viewing. If you’re lucky enough to capture the lights on camera, feel free to share your photos with others who appreciate this natural wonder!

Happy aurora watching! For up-to-date forecasts and information, visit the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.

Source link