How to Watch the Northern Lights from These States Tonight
The northern lights may be visible tonight across 18 U.S. states due to a G2-level geomagnetic storm
Aurora activity is expected to peak overnight with potential viewing as early as this evening
The Kp index is expected to rise, increasing the chances of northern lights farther south than usualGet ready for another round of auroras, stargazers!
The cosmos is putting on a dazzling spectacle, as the northern lights make a rare appearance across parts of the U.S. starting as early as this evening.
Auroras result from geomagnetic storms when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere. Their visibility depends on a number of factors, including intensity and location.
According to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), space weather forecasters predict a chance of minor (G1) to moderate (G2) geomagnetic storms overnight with a slight chance of reaching strong (G3) levels.
The stunning display is caused by solar particles interacting with Earth's magnetic field, and tonight's conditions are just right for the colors to be seen dancing across the sky — weather permitting.
According to NOAA, auroras could begin appearing as early as 11:00 p.m. ET on Aug. 7 with moderate G2 geomagnetic storms between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. ET, making tonight one of the best chances to catch a glimpse of the northern lights across parts of the northern states.
Read on for how, when and where to look up and witness this celestial event.
When will the northern lights be visible?
Tonight, Aug. 7, into the early morning hours of Aug. 8 is your best viewing window.Experts say auroras could begin as early as 11 p.m. ET tonight, with the strongest visibility expected between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Aug. 8, but timing may vary depending on your location and local weather conditions.
Where will the northern lights be visible?
A G2-level geomagnetic storm means the northern lights could stretch much farther south than usual.According to forecasts from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, visibility may extend across 18 U.S. states, including Montana, Alaska, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, South Dakota, Vermont, New Hampshire, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, New York, Wyoming, Iowa, Nebraska and Illinois.The best views will be in areas with dark skies and minimal light pollution, especially in rural or elevated spots facing north.
How to watch the northern lights?
To boost your chances, head outside around 2 a.m. and look toward the northern horizon. Find a location away from streetlights and city glare, whether it's a field, lakeside or a remote park.Check real-time aurora maps (like NOAA's Aurora Forecast tool) for updated activity. If the skies are clear and you're in the right region, you may catch glowing green, purple or red hues rippling across the stars.
How to take photos of the northern lights?
Great news! Even a smartphone can capture the auroras with a few tweaks:
Use night mode or a long exposure setting.
Stabilize your camera with a tripod or a steady surface.
Turn off flash and manually adjust focus to infinity, if possible.
Don't forget to turn your phone or camera toward the northern sky and take multiple exposures. Even if it looks faint to the eye, the camera may pick up more than you think.
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