Tonight’s severe geomagnetic storm watch means the northern lights could be visible across 24 U.S. states, from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest through the Upper Midwest and into the Northeast and central Plains. With dark, clear skies and a good northern horizon, many mid‑latitude observers have a rare chance to see auroras without leaving their home state.
The 24 states in the aurora zone tonight
According to forecasts based on NOAA’s aurora viewline, the following 24 states sit fully or partly under the potential aurora belt tonight. These are the places where storm‑enhanced activity could push the northern lights overhead or low on the northern horizon.
| State |
|---|
| Alaska |
| Washington |
| Oregon |
| Idaho |
| Montana |
| North Dakota |
| South Dakota |
| Minnesota |
| Wisconsin |
| Wyoming |
| Michigan |
| Nebraska |
| Iowa |
| Illinois |
| Indiana |
| Missouri |
| Colorado |
| New York |
| Vermont |
| New Hampshire |
| Massachusetts |
| Maine |
| Pennsylvania |
| Ohio |
In these states, auroras may appear as a faint green arc, vertical pillars, or even dynamic curtains of color if the storm reaches severe G4 levels. The farther north you are within each state, the higher and brighter the display is likely to be in your sky.
When to look: timing the storm
Auroras do not follow a strict schedule, but tonight’s forecast offers a useful window. NOAA’s storm watch suggests peak activity between late evening and the early hours of Tuesday, as the incoming coronal mass ejection interacts with Earth’s magnetic field. A practical way to structure your night is to plan short checks during each key phase rather than staying outside the entire time.
- Best overall window: around 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. EST (local equivalents), when severe G4 conditions are most likely.
- Secondary windows: just after full darkness and again around local midnight, when geomagnetic activity often intensifies.
- Micro‑strategy: check the sky for 10–15 minutes every hour; auroral structures can brighten or fade quickly during strong storms.
If you can monitor real‑time Kp and solar wind data from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center or reputable aurora apps, you will be better positioned to step outside during sudden bursts of activity.
Where to go in your state
Location choice can make the difference between a faint glow and a memorable show. To maximize your odds, treat aurora chasing like deep‑sky observing: the darker and clearer, the better. These principles apply across all 24 states, from Alaska to Colorado and Maine.
- Get away from city lights: drive at least 20–30 minutes out of major metro areas to escape skyglow.
- Prioritize a clear northern horizon: seek open fields, lakeshores, or hilltops with an unobstructed view to the north.
- Check cloud cover: even a strong geomagnetic storm will be invisible behind thick clouds, so consult regional weather radar before heading out.
- Use dark‑sky maps: light‑pollution maps and national/state park websites help identify darker observing sites near you.
In the Lower 48, auroras often sit low on the northern horizon rather than directly overhead, so even modest tree lines or buildings can block the view. Choosing elevation or open terrain is therefore especially important.
How to actually see (and photograph) the lights
Once you are on site, allow time for your eyes and equipment to adapt. Many first‑time observers mistake a pale auroral arc for thin cloud until the structure brightens or begins to move. A small amount of preparation greatly improves your chances of recognizing subtle activity.
- Dark adaptation: give your eyes 20–30 minutes away from bright screens or headlights for maximum sensitivity.
- Look for movement: auroras may begin as a dim band that slowly pulses or forms vertical rays, especially during sudden increases in geomagnetic activity.
- Use a tripod and long exposure: modern smartphones and cameras can record color and structure the eye cannot see, especially with 5–15 second exposures and high ISO.
- Face north, then scan overhead: in northern parts of states like Alaska, Montana, or Maine, the aurora can move from the horizon to directly above you during strong storms.
If you are using a phone, switch to night‑mode or manual controls, lock focus at infinity, and avoid digital zoom, which only reduces image quality.
Safety, ethics, and real‑time verification
Chasing auroras at night carries practical risks, especially along rural roads or in winter conditions. Approaching the sky with a safety‑first mindset ensures that a rare geomagnetic event does not turn into an emergency. Ethical behavior also helps keep popular viewing sites sustainable for future storms.
- Road safety: park fully off the roadway, use hazard lights briefly while stopping, and avoid sudden stops on highways when a bright arc appears.
- Weather awareness: dress for temperatures well below the forecast, and carry extra layers, water, and a charged phone in case you stay longer than planned.
- Respect private land: use public lands, parks, and designated turnouts; do not trespass on fields or driveways even if the northern view looks perfect.
- Verify with official data: use NOAA’s aurora dashboards and alerts to confirm that elevated Kp values or severe storm conditions are actually occurring while you are outside.
For an added layer of confidence, cross‑check official space‑weather products from NOAA with trusted media outlets that summarize tonight’s storm, including state‑by‑state visibility maps. This combination of authoritative forecasts and on‑the‑ground awareness gives you the best chance to enjoy the northern lights from any of the 24 states in the potential auroral zone tonight.
