A geomagnetic storm is set to bring a rare aurora borealis display to parts of the United States tonight, with skywatchers in at least 10 states potentially catching a glimpse of the northern lights. The storm, triggered by a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun, has been forecasted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and could create breathtaking auroras much farther south than usual.
Where to See the Northern Lights Tonight
According to the NOAA, the northern lights may be visible overnight on March 4 into March 5, with the best chances in northeastern Washington, northern Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota, and northern Michigan. There’s also a smaller possibility of aurora sightings in northern Idaho, South Dakota, Wisconsin, northern Wyoming, and northern Maine.
The strongest displays will still occur in Alaska and Canada, but with the auroral oval expected to expand due to the G1-class geomagnetic storm, those in the northern U.S. may get a rare opportunity to witness the sky illuminated with green, red, and purple hues.
How a Solar Storm Sparks the Aurora
The northern lights appear when charged particles from the Sun interact with Earth’s magnetic field, exciting atoms in the upper atmosphere and producing dazzling waves of light. These events are most commonly seen in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, but during stronger geomagnetic storms, the auroral oval widens, allowing people in lower latitudes to see the spectacle.
This geomagnetic storm follows a period of increased solar activity, with several solar flares and CMEs occurring in recent weeks. NOAA scientists have noted that Solar Cycle 25, the current 11-year solar cycle, has been much stronger than the last, making aurora sightings more frequent and intense than in previous years.
Tracking the Northern Lights in Real Time
Because auroras are unpredictable, keeping an eye on real-time space weather updates is essential. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center provides a 30-minute aurora forecast, which monitors incoming solar wind conditions and geomagnetic activity levels.
NOAA’s DSCOVR and ACE satellites track CMEs in real time, giving observers a 15- to 30-minute warning before a major space weather event begins. This short timeframe means aurora hunters need to stay alert and check updated forecasts throughout the night.
How to Get the Best View of the Aurora Tonight
To maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights, follow these key tips:
- Find a dark location away from city lights to reduce light pollution.
- Check the northern horizon, as auroras will appear lower in the sky the farther south you are.
- Plan for the best viewing times, which are typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.
- Use a camera with long exposure settings, as auroras may be faint to the naked eye but more vibrant through a lens.
A Rare Opportunity to Witness the Aurora in the U.S.
With the Sun nearing its peak activity in Solar Cycle 25, more geomagnetic storms and widespread aurora events are expected over the next two years. While tonight’s storm may not bring spectacular auroras to all locations, it serves as a reminder that solar activity is ramping up, making this an exciting time for skywatchers across North America.
Whether you’re in one of the lucky states with a high chance of seeing the aurora or just keeping an eye on forecasts for future events, tonight’s geomagnetic storm could be the perfect reason to step outside and look up.
