States Where Aurora Borealis May Be Visible Tonight

Topline

Several continental U.S. states may get another chance to see the Northern Lights again Tuesday night after a group of solar ejections were released toward the Earth over the weekend, though Tuesday’s aurora will likely be weaker than previous ones.

Key Facts

Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible Tonight?

Although it’s hard to know where the Northern Lights will show up, they may be the most visible Tuesday night in Canada and Alaska, according to NOAA (see image below). However, continental U.S. states within the aurora’s view line include Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine and the northernmost part of New York.

What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?

The lights are typically the most active between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. For the best views of the Northern Lights, NOAA advises traveling as close to the poles as possible, avoiding city lights and other light pollution, monitoring weather forecasts for prime viewing conditions and finding a position on a vantage point like a hilltop.

What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?

Smartphone cameras are sensitive enough to pick up the aurora, even when it’s invisible to the naked eye. Visit Iceland, a tourist website for Iceland, where the lights are often visible, advises turning on night mode to best increase smartphone camera exposure.

Key Background

Solar Cycle 25—the cycle the sun goes through around every 11 years—has been the cause of geomagnetic storms that have resulted in recent sightings of the Northern Lights, and NASA predicts it will continue on into next year. Cycle 25 began in Dec. 2019, and it’s estimated it will reach its maximum—when activity is expected to peak—between late 2024 and early 2026. It’s projected to peak with 115 sunspots, which are where geomagnetic storms originate. Although the maximum hasn’t happened yet, the sun’s activity has been busier than scientists anticipated, so it’s possible there will be even more geomagnetic storms leading up to 2025, though it’s difficult to predict exactly when these storms will occur.

Big Number

299. That’s about how many sunspots were reached on August 8, according to NOAA’s predictions. This is the highest sunspot number since Solar Cycle 25 began, and the highest number since at least July 2002. However, the official number will be reported by September 1.