Around 10 states could get a view of the spectacular night time show.
A reason to look up: October astronomy events
October’s night skies will offer a dynamic array of astronomical phenomena, including high-visibility planetary alignments and an active meteor shower resulting from Earth’s passage through cometary debris.
Multiple states could have a chance to see the northern lights this week.
The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, may be visible in as many as 10 states on Wednesday night, Oct. 29, according to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). Most of Canada will also have a chance to see the lights.
Alaska has the highest likelihood of seeing the spectacular phenomena of all the American states, but several states in the contiguous U.S., closest to the American-Canadian border, could see the northern lights illuminate the night sky, though the chances are low.
Like Alaska, parts of Canada also have a high likelihood of seeing the northern lights.
When could the northern lights be visible?
The northern lights could be visible in certain states on Wednesday night, Oct. 29, according to SPWC.
Which states could see the northern lights?
The map below identifies where the aurora could be visible.
Areas under a red shading have a higher chance of seeing northern lights, while areas under a green shading have a lower chance. The NOAA says the red “view line” marks the southernmost extent where aurora might be seen on the northern horizon.
The following states are within the view line and have a chance at seeing the northern lights:
AlaskaWashingtonIdahoMontanaNorth DakotaSouth DakotaMinnesotaWisconsinMichiganMaine
Of the states listed, northern Alaska has a high chance of seeing the northern lights. Within the contiguous U.S., areas of Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota have the highest chance of seeing the northern lights, though the likelihood is still low.
Julia is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers scientific studies and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com.