Northern Lights Shine Bright Across U.S. Amid Powerful Solar Storm

A rare celestial event unfolded Tuesday night as the northern lights, or aurora borealis, graced several U.S. states, offering a stunning light show for residents fortunate enough to witness it. If you missed the spectacle, don’t worry—there’s still a chance to see it tonight as the solar storm continues to interact with Earth’s magnetosphere, creating vibrant green and red displays across the sky.

The auroras are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with Earth’s atmosphere, causing gas molecules like oxygen and nitrogen to emit light. The ongoing solar storm, tracked by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has intensified this natural phenomenon, making the auroras visible further from the magnetic poles than usual.

While Alaska and Canada have the best views, many northern U.S. states will continue to experience visible auroras into Wednesday night. Regions like Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are all expected to see the light show, with the red “viewline” extending down to areas like Wyoming, Iowa, Michigan, and even New York.

The best time to catch a glimpse of the aurora is typically around midnight when skies are darkest, with remote, light-pollution-free locations offering the clearest views. NOAA also offers a 30-minute aurora forecast, which can help skygazers track the activity in real-time for more precise opportunities.

With solar activity peaking during its 11-year cycle, this heightened aurora activity is expected to continue into 2025. The phenomenon’s frequency is expected to grow, providing more chances for aurora chasers to witness the breathtaking displays in parts of the U.S. where the lights are not typically seen.