I can help with this. Based on current forecasts, a strong geomagnetic storm is driving the northern lights farther south than usual, and NOAA’s alerts and several major outlets are listing a broad swath of U.S. states that could see auroras tonight. However, visibility remains highly sensitive to local sky conditions (cloud cover, light pollution, moonlight) and geographic latitude. Direct answer
- Likely states that could see the northern lights tonight include Alaska, western states such as Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Maine, and parts of Indiana and Pennsylvania. Observers farther south in New York, New Jersey, and surrounding areas could have a slim chance if sky conditions cooperate. Visibility is best in dark, northern-facing skies with clear horizons, away from city lights. Peak viewing tends to occur between local late evening and pre-dawn hours, often after midnight in the northern U.S. [NOAA forecasts, multiple outlets].
Notes to maximize your chances
- Check local cloud cover: clear, dark skies are essential; even a partial cloud bank can block the display.
- Go to a dark site well away from city lights; north-facing vantage points help, especially if you’re in the northern tier of states.
- Be patient and stay up late; auroras can intensify during the early morning hours in geomagnetic storm conditions.
- If you want to photograph it, use a tripod, low ISO, long exposure, and manual focus set to infinity.
If you’d like, I can pull up the latest regional forecasts and provide a precise list for your exact location, along with viewing times and cloud-cover probabilities for tonight.
