Catch a Glimpse of the Northern Lights in These 15 US States Tonight
A spectacular celestial event is on the horizon tonight for aurora enthusiasts in the United States. Skywatchers might witness the northern lights, thanks to Earth’s expected encounter with coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun earlier this week. This phenomenon could offer a rare opportunity to glimpse the auroras in areas farther south than usual.
Geomagnetic Storm Alert
The Space Weather Prediction Center at NOAA has announced a G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm warning for October 16. This alert is due to several solar storms making their way toward Earth. The most intense effects are likely between late Thursday night and early Friday morning.
Peak Viewing Time and Conditions
The Kp index, which measures geomagnetic activity, is forecasted to peak between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. EDT (2100 and 0300 GMT on Oct. 17). It is expected to reach 5.67, indicating significant storm activity within the G2 classification. This means that skywatchers may see the northern lights in several northern U.S. states, conditions permitting.
Where to Catch a Glimpse of the Northern Lights
The states most likely to experience this natural spectacle include:
- Alaska
- Washington
- Idaho
- Montana
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- New York
- Maine
- New Hampshire
- Vermont
- Wyoming
- Iowa
For optimal viewing, clear skies, minimal light pollution, and a northward-facing vantage point are essential.
Observation Tips
To improve your chances of witnessing this event:
- Find a dark area away from city lights.
- Ensure a clear horizon to the north.
- Start observing around midnight to 2 a.m. local time.
- Remain patient, as auroras may appear faint initially and in intervals.
Using a space weather app, like “My Aurora Forecast & Alerts” or “Space Weather Live,” available on both iOS and Android, can help provide location-based aurora predictions.
Understanding the Phenomenon
The imminent geomagnetic activity is driven by CMEs that left the sun between October 11 and 13. Their combined arrival is expected to create a “stacked” effect, heightening geomagnetic disturbances on Earth and increasing the potential to observe the auroras.
