Northern Lights Expected in 10 U.S. States Tonight: Find the Best Viewing Spots

The sky is set for a spectacular display this evening as the aurora borealis, commonly called the northern lights, may illuminate the northern horizon with vibrant greens and reds. The NOAA has forecasted a mild G1 geomagnetic storm caused by fast solar wind originating from a coronal hole on the sun, potentially making this rare phenomenon visible across several northern U.S. states. Enthusiasts are encouraged to observe the sky late on Friday, May 15, into the early hours of Saturday, May 16 for optimal viewing.

What Causes the Aurora Displays?

The auroras occur when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s magnetic shield. These solar winds collide with atmospheric gases, energizing oxygen and nitrogen atoms that then glow in colors ranging from green to red, and occasionally purple. The brilliance of the aurora depends on the geomagnetic storm’s strength, observer location, and how dark the night sky is.

According to NOAA, the current geomagnetic disturbances are driven by a rapid solar wind stream flowing from a coronal hole on the sun’s surface. These streams can last many hours or several days, meaning auroral activity might persist sporadically through the night. The new moon phase aids visibility by providing darker skies, enhancing the chance of witnessing subtle auroras.

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Best Times and Places to View Tonight’s Aurora

The most favorable window to see the northern lights is from late evening until just before dawn, when darkness peaks. Although aurora activity often culminates near midnight, fluctuations can occur depending on solar wind conditions.

The northern lights should be especially visible in Alaska, northern Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine. For the best experience, observers should find dark, rural locations away from urban light pollution. Elevated sites with clear views towards the north increase the likelihood of spotting the glowing bands of light. Even brief aurora bursts can be breathtaking under ideal conditions.