Aurora Alert: Which US states could see the Northern Lights tonight?

The stunning light show has hit the town once again!

Skygazers in America better brace themselves for yet another Aurora Edit, that too – in the middle of the week.


What’s happening?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has indicated that the northern lights , or aurora borealis , may be observable across several northern US states this week due to ongoing geomagnetic activity . For Wednesday night, NOAA has predicted a Kp index of four, which is a level that provides opportunities for viewing the lights in certain regions, particularly those with dark and clear skies.


What is the Aurora Borealis?

Aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, is a natural light display in the sky, primarily seen in high-latitude regions. It occurs when charged particles from the sun interact with the Earth's atmosphere, producing vibrant colors like green, red, and purple.


The aurora borealis is caused by charged particles, mainly electrons and protons, from the sun's solar wind colliding with Earth's magnetosphere. These particles are then guided towards the poles by Earth's magnetic field.

The colors observed in the aurora are determined by the specific atmospheric gases and the energy of the colliding particles. Green light is often associated with oxygen, while red light is also produced by oxygen, and blue and purple light can be seen with hydrogen and helium.


Although the aurora borealis is most frequently observed in regions around the Arctic Circle, including countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Canada, and Alaska, this time several US states are set to witness the magic as well.


Which US states can watch the Northern Lights?

This forecast follows a period of heightened activity on Tuesday night, when the Kp index reached five, allowing visibility of the aurora in parts of Wyoming, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York, as reported by Forbes.

For those seeking the best viewing opportunities in the United States on Wednesday, Alaska and northern Canada remain the top locations. Within the US, states such as northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offer the highest chances. There is also a slight possibility of visibility in areas of South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Maine.


When can you see the Northern Lights?

The optimal time for observation is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. NOAA recommends selecting a high, north-facing location away from city lights for the best experience. For those wishing to take photographs, enabling night mode and disabling the flash on mobile devices is suggested.

Additionally, NOAA has alerted that minor to moderate radio blackouts may occur through Friday, although major disruptions are not anticipated.