The northern lights could light up skies across the U.S. tonight, as a high-speed solar wind stream from a coronal hole and an incoming coronal mass ejection (CME) are forecast to hit Earth, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center.
The combination of the incoming solar wind and the CME released during Monday's X-class solar flare could push geomagnetic conditions to moderate (G2) levels with a brief chance of strong (G3) if both the fast solar wind and CME arrive close together.
This is good news for aurora chasers as it increases the chance of seeing the northern lights at mid-latitudes.
Where can I see the northern lights tonight?
States that could see auroras tonight
Based on the latest NOAA aurora forecast map, the following 15 U.S. states appear fully or partially above the aurora view line:
- Alaska
- North Dakota
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- South Dakota
- Idaho
- Maine
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Washington
- Wyoming
- Iowa
- New York
Remember, auroras can be fickle creatures. The list is based on current forecast data, but if conditions strengthen and skies are clear, auroras could reach much farther south than expected.
Then again, if conditions don't align, we might end up with a "nothing burger" and no auroras at all.
Northern Hemisphere aurora forecast courtesy of the U.K. Met Office
What time should I look for the northern lights tonight?
The northern lights could be visible across 15 U.S. states tonight (Dec. 3-4) as soon as it gets dark, so it's worth keeping an eye on the sky throughout the evening, especially in areas with clear, dark skies.
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