30 northern US states might be able to see the northern lights tonight!

An aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, is seen in the night sky on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023, near Washtucna, Wash.

An aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, as seen in the night sky on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023, near Washtucna, Wash.

Dear Commons Community,

USA Today is reporting that it could be a colorful night sky for people in the northern U.S. as the aurora borealis, or northern lights, could make an appearance in more than half of the country.

The possibility of seeing the dazzling display comes after the sun had a solar flare erupt on Friday that was directed toward Earth, according to the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center. As a result, 30 states may have the chance to see the aurora borealis, stretching from Washington to Maine, and as far south as Kansas, the Space Weather Watch says, as long as weather conditions permit.

“All in all, you can anticipate good conditions for auroral displays,” EarthSky said.

Where will the northern lights appear?

The northern lights will be possible to see in 30 states, depending on weather conditions like cloud coverage.

“Aurora viewing is likely in the United States tonight (04/24/23) as Earth is impacted by a strong solar storm. The most favorable cloud conditions look to be over the Midwest, Plains and parts of the Great Lakes and less favorable conditions in the Northeast and Northwest,” the Space Watch said.

Here’s the states where it’ll be possible to see the northern lights Sunday night:

  • Washington
  • Oregon
  • Idaho
  • Montana
  • Wyoming
  • Utah
  • Colorado
  • North Dakota
  • South Dakota
  • Nebraska
  • Kansas
  • Minnesota
  • Iowa
  • Missouri
  • Wisconsin
  • Illinois
  • Michigan
  • Indiana
  • Ohio
  • Kentucky
  • West Virginia
  • Pennsylvania
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Massachusetts
  • Connecticut
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • New Hampshire
  • Maine

“Chances for aurora may be as far south as California, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Alabama, etc. if the storms hold in intensity headed into this evening, otherwise, a good portion of the U.S. should still have a chance to see something,” the Space Weather Watch said.

What time will the northern lights appear?

The NOAA says the best time to see the northern lights is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. At that time, officials advise people to get away from the glow of city lights.

Let’s hope for clear skies!

Tony

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