NEED TO KNOW
\nThe northern lights could be visible across 10 U.S. states tonight as increased solar activity raises the chance of auroras appearing after dark
The best viewing window is between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. EST, though sightings are possible anytime after dark in clear-sky locations
Aurora activity may continue through Christmas Eve, giving skywatchers multiple opportunities to catch the glow during the holiday week<\/p>\n
If you needed an excuse to step outside tonight, the cosmos<\/a> are about to give you one!\n<\/p>\n The northern lights could make a surprise appearance across parts of the U.S. as a fast stream of solar wind increases the odds of colorful auroras after dark.\n<\/p>\n The aurora borealis (northern lights) is caused by geomagnetic storms, which occur when charged particles from the sun<\/a> collide with gases in Earth’s<\/a> atmosphere, creating brilliant waves of light in the sky.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n According to space weather forecasters at the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center<\/a>, Earth is currently being brushed by fast-moving solar wind streaming from an Earth-facing coronal hole on the sun.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Forecasts show geomagnetic activity reaching minor (G1) storm levels overnight, which is often enough to push the aurora farther south than usual.<\/p>\n These lower-level geomagnetic storms don\u2019t guarantee a jaw-dropping light show, but they do raise the odds, particularly for people living in darker areas with clear skies and a good view of the northern horizon.\n<\/p>\n The best part? Forecasters are saying this isn\u2019t a one-night event.<\/p>\n In fact, the same stream of fast solar wind is expected to influence Earth through Wednesday, Dec. 24, meaning there could be multiple chances to catch the northern lights in the days leading up to Christmas.\n<\/p>\n This is especially encouraging for skywatchers and aurora chasers, as the northern lights are famously fickle, often requiring equal amounts of luck and patience.<\/p>\n In the meantime, read on for more on this stellar spectacle.\n<\/p>\n