Skywatchers across the United States are preparing for a potentially spectacular sight tonight: the northern lights may be visible far beyond their usual polar boundaries, thanks to a strong geomagnetic storm triggered by a significant coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued an alert earlier today, predicting that areas as far south as Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Oregon could catch a glimpse of this awe-inspiring phenomenon.
According to NOAA, the CME is expected to reach Earth overnight, generating a Kp index of 7 on NOAA’s geomagnetic scale, which runs from 0 to 9. A Kp index of 7 signifies quite bright and active auroras that can extend well into regions not typically accustomed to such displays. This uptick in solar activity is part of the Sun’s 11-year cycle, which approaches its peak—known as solar maximum—where conditions favor more frequent auroras.
In a detailed forecast, NOAA has outlined the areas most likely to witness tonight’s auroras. Regions with a high likelihood include Alaska, northern Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota, while moderate chances extend to places like Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and Wisconsin. However, the thrilling prospect of seeing the lights doesn’t end there; even regions with low but possible visibility like Oregon, Illinois, and Pennsylvania might witness faint glows on the northern horizon, provided skies are clear and light pollution is low.
The best viewing times for the auroras are expected between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. local time. To enhance the chances of spotting the lights, experts recommend getting away from city lights, finding higher grounds or open vistas with a clear northern horizon, and checking local weather conditions, as even slight cloud cover can obscure the view. Photography aficionados can maximize their experience by using the night mode on their smartphones, as well as a tripod for stability to capture long exposures of the shimmering lights.
“Smartphones are now amazing aurora cameras,” says Tom Kerss, author of "The Northern Lights: The Definitive Guide to Auroras" and a chief aurora hunter for Hurtigruten Astronomy Cruises. “They’re now so good that professional aurora-hunters use a smartphone photo to check that what they are seeing in the sky is, in fact, aurora.” With advances in smartphone photography, it’s possible to capture and share stunning images of this celestial spectacle, making it more accessible to everyday observers.
As excitement builds for tonight’s display, it’s essential to note the scientific context behind the auroras themselves. Researchers, including NASA’s Dr. David Hathaway, suggest that the auroras are more frequent during specific months, particularly around the equinoxes, when solar activity peaks. Historically, March, April, September, and October have been identified as prime months for aurora visibility, coinciding with the seasonal transition of daylight across the planet. “The equinoxes are the transition points between which hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun,” explains Shannon Schmoll, director of the Abrams Planetarium. This tilt, combined with the Earth’s magnetic field aligning more favorably with the Sun during these times, results in increased auroras.
Observations from previous years highlight this seasonal phenomenon. In late 2024, aurora borealis activity illuminated the night skies across many regions, extending their reach further into the U.S. than what has been historically common. Data shows a remarkable correlation between geomagnetic activity and equinox-driven phenomena, emphasizing the interconnectedness of solar events and terrestrial observers.
Tonight’s viewing will not only be a spectacular event for those lucky enough to see the northern lights but also a reminder of the significant forces at work in our universe and their impact on our planet. As skywatchers eagerly determine the best locations and conditions for viewing, it’s clear that events like these bridge science, nature, and human curiosity. They serve as both a spectacle and as an opportunity to reflect on the interactions between Earth's atmosphere and solar activity.
The magical allure of the aurora borealis continues to inspire awe and wonder, reminding us of the beauty and mystery of the cosmos. As anticipation builds, the hope is that tonight will deliver a breathtaking display for people across vast regions, creating lasting memories under a canvas of dancing lights.
