Northern Lights Could Brighten the Night Skies in These 21 States Tonight
A Rare Aurora Borealis Alert — What It Means, Where to Look & How to Capture It
If you’ve been wondering “can you see the northern lights tonight?”, here’s some exciting news: a strong space-weather event may bring the spectacular Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) down to many parts of the U.S. that rarely see them. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), up to 21 states might get a glimpse of the show tonight thanks to incoming solar eruptions.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening, where you can look, and how you can up your chances of viewing (or photographing) one of nature’s most magical light shows.
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What’s going on?
The sun has sent out multiple bursts of energy known as Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) which interact with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. When that happens, charged particles collide with gases in our upper atmosphere and light up in greens, reds, purples and blues — the aurora.
Right now:
Two CMEs are expected to hit Earth, with one following the other.
NOAA has issued a geomagnetic storm watch, meaning the Kp index (a measure of geomagnetic activity) is elevated and conditions are favorable for auroras to be pushed further south than usual.
The “aurora view-line” map shows a broader “southern border” of where the aurora might be visible tonight and tomorrow.
So in plain English: The night sky could light up in places that don’t typically get auroras, as long as the weather cooperates and you’re watching at the right time.
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Which states might see the lights?
According to multiple sources including Space.com and Economic Times, the following 21 U.S. states are fully or partially within the aurora visibility zone tonight:
1. Alaska
2. North Dakota
3. Minnesota
4. Montana
5. Wisconsin
6. Michigan
7. Maine
8. South Dakota
9. Idaho
10. Vermont
11. Washington
12. New Hampshire
13. Wyoming
14. New York
15. Iowa
16. Massachusetts
17. Pennsylvania
18. Nebraska
19. Ohio
20. Illinois
21. Indiana
It’s worth noting: while these states are in the “potential visibility” region, actual visibility depends on many local factors (weather, light pollution, horizon clearance).
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When and where to look
Best viewing hours: after local dusk and especially between 10 p.m.–1 a.m. EST (03:00-06:00 GMT) when geomagnetic storm conditions may peak.
Location: Choose a dark area with clear northern horizon (look northward) and minimal light pollution.
Weather: Clear skies are a must. Clouds or heavy moonlight reduce your chance dramatically.
Orientation: Even if the lights are faint, a smartphone camera might pick them up better than the naked eye. Try pointing your phone north, set to “night mode” and scan the sky.
Why it matters & why this is special
While the aurora borealis is common closer to the poles (Alaska, northern Canada), it’s rare for it to be visible at mid-latitudes across 21 states simultaneously.
Such events are tied to the solar cycle’s more active phases; this means more opportunities for aurora sightings in unusual places.
For skywatchers and photographers, this is a chance to witness a “once in a season”-type display, especially in states where you don’t normally expect to see the lights.
How to improve your chances
1. Head north in your state if possible — even moving a few miles away from city lights helps.
2. Arrive well-after sunset and give your eyes time to adjust (20-30 mins).
3. Use your smartphone camera: set it to night mode or manual mode with a longer exposure and scan the sky — many auroras are faint to the eye but visible on camera.
4. Dress warmly: standing still looking up gets cold fast.
5. Be patient: The lights may start faintly or appear suddenly; stay out a while if possible.
6. Tracking apps: Use an aurora-forecast app like “My Aurora Forecast & Alerts” or “Space Weather Live” to get alerts.
Quick FAQs
Q: Can I see them from any of the 21 states for sure?
A: No guarantee — you still need dark skies, minimal light pollution, clear horizon and a strong geomagnetic event. The states listed are possible, not certain.
Q: What if I’m further south (for example Texas or Florida)?
A: The map currently doesn’t include many deep-south states in the primary visibility zone tonight; however occasionally auroras can reach farther south during very strong storms. Stay tuned to forecasts.
Q: How long will the display last?
A: Hard to say — auroras can appear for minutes to hours. Best window is the peak storm hours (10 p.m.–1 a.m.). It may fade or intensify unpredictably.
Q: Why are auroras colored?
A: The colors come from different atmospheric gases being hit by charged particles: oxygen tends to give green or red, nitrogen blue to purple.
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Final word
If you live in one of the 21 states listed, tonight could be your chance to see a spectacular aurora show. Head out after dark, find a clear northward view, bring your camera, and keep an eye on the skies. Even if it’s faint, catching glimpses of the Northern Lights is unforgettable. And if you’re lucky enough to see them — you might just join the ranks of aurora chasers across America, capturing one of the sky’s most stunning natural phenomena.
Enjoy the view — and may your night be lit with dancing green and purple curtains of light. 🌌
About the Creator
Waqar Khan
Passionate storyteller sharing life, travel & culture. Building smiles, insights, and real connections—one story at a time. 🌍
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