NEED TO KNOW
Another round of northern lights is possible this week, with skies set to light up again across several statesThe auroras occur when charged solar wind particles from the sun collide with Earth’s magnetic field, creating glowing displays near the polesNOAA forecasts minor geomagnetic storm conditions, making aurora sightings likely over the next few nights

The sky is at it again!

If you missed the first round of auroras this week, you’re in luck, as the cosmos is gracing us with more spectacular views.

Northern lights could be visible overnight tonight, thanks to a swift solar wind that may spark geomagnetic storms, potentially triggering auroras to illuminate skies across 10 states, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The solar wind is a consistent stream of protons and electrons from the sun’s outermost atmosphere, also known as the corona, per Space.com.

As it reaches our planet Earth, it sends a flurry of charged particles into the magnetosphere — sailing through our solar system at speeds that range between 250 miles and 500 miles per second according to NOAA — and along Earth’s magnetic field towards the poles. This interaction can produce glowing auroras above polar regions.

Forecasters from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center are predicting minor (G1) geomagnetic storm conditions this evening, with possible aurora within the next few days.

Read on for how to catch back-to-back northern lights for a second time this week.

When will the northern lights be visible?

Northern lights.

JFK/APA/AFP via Getty

Northern lights could become visible overnight tonight, thanks to a fast-moving stream of solar wind, sparking geomagnetic storm conditions. 

According to NOAA, geomagnetic activity will reach around Kp 3.67 today, Aug. 19, with a chance of peaking at Kp 5 tomorrow, Aug. 20, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET.

Where will the northern lights be visible?

Northern lights and stars, Lapland, Sweden.

Getty

Several parts of U.S. could potentially catch a glimpse of auroral activity, including Alaska, North Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, South Dakota, Idaho and Washington.

As always, it’s important to note that auroras are highly unpredictable. This means that even if your state is within the aurora viewing line, you’ll need everything from clear skies to low light pollution for a good view.

How to watch the northern lights?

DEBRAD, SLOVAKIA – MAY 11: Northern lights (Aurora Borealis), also known as aurora, colorful lights shift, illuminate the sky in Debrad, Slovakia, May 11, 2024.

Robert Nemeti/Anadolu via Getty

The northern lights are visible to the naked eye, so all you have to do is look up! The key is to make sure you’re as far away from light pollution (city lights) as possible. Weather conditions also matter, so try to head out on a night with clear skies for the best views.

How to take photos of the northern lights?

The best part about the year 2025? We have technology right at our fingertips!

This means your smartphone more than likely has the technological capability to capture footage of the dazzling auroras. All you need to do is hit the “Night Mode” option in your settings and point your lens towards the sky.