How to See the Northern Lights Tonight

Key Points
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center forecasts a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm from fast solar wind, with the Kp index peaking around 5. The aurora could be visible in 15 states.This show is expected to be less intense than earlier this month’s G4 storm (Kp 8), which produced widespread, vibrant auroras.For the best chance to see it, go to a dark, north-facing spot with a clear horizon between about midnight and 2 a.m. local time, and remember that cloud cover can block the view.

Your holiday lighting installations won’t be the only thing brightening up the sky tonight. The northern lights may be visible across 15 states, according to a forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC).

The SWPC is currently predicting G1 geomagnetic storm conditions caused by a speedy solar wind that may result in northern lights sightings across 15 states, including Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

The weather center is also expecting the Kp index to reach a high of 5. The Kp index is a scale from 0 to 9 that’s used to measure geomagnetic activity. The higher the number, the further from the poles the northern lights could appear.

In comparison, earlier this month, when the U.S. experienced vibrant auroras across a big portion of the country, the geomagnetic storm conditions reached G4—geomagnetic storms are ranked from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme)—with a Kp index of 8.

While the auroras won’t be as vibrant this time around, you’ll still have the chance to catch the dazzling display, depending on where you’re located. For those in the northern parts of the country, head to a dark location away from light pollution and find a north-facing spot with a clear view of the horizon.

Look up around midnight to 2 a.m. local time to spot the light show. Also, keep in mind that cloud cover can diminish your chances of seeing the auroras, so check your local weather forecast.