BUFFALO, N.Y. — A powerful solar storm is set to reach Earth late Sunday into Monday, leading to a potential viewing of the Northern Lights across much of the northern United States.
According to Space.com, “Monday night into Tuesday morning” will be “the best window for aurora viewing. Additional minor to moderate storming may continue into Tuesday night.”
Space.com also said that based on the latest NOAA aurora forecast map, 18 states could fully or partially above the aurora view line. They are: Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, South Dakota, Vermont, New Hampshire, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, New York, Wyoming, Iowa, Nebraska, and Illinois.
Auroras are highly unpredictable, so even if you’re within the view line, your chances improve with clear skies, low light pollution, and a good view facing north.
Here are some tips for catching the display:
The NOAA recommends the public use aurora forecast tools or apps to track real-time conditions.