Northern Lights: Here’s Where You Could See The Aurora Borealis Tonight

Topline

There’s a chance the northern lights could return to Canada and parts of the northern U.S. Wednesday night, which would be the latest throughout the continental U.S. following May’s historic solar geomagnetic storm—though they won’t be intense as past displays.

Key Facts

Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?

The Space Prediction Center forecasts the lights may be visible throughout most of Canada and the eastern portion of Alaska tonight, similar to predictions from researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute. The Geophysical Institute also predicts the viewline may extend south towards the northern parts of North Dakota, Montana, Minnesota and Michigan.

When Is The Best Time To See The Northern Lights?

The best time to view the spectacle is between 10 p.m. and 2.a.m., according to the Space Weather Prediction Center. Geomagnetic activity increases during this time frame, which makes the lights look stronger.

Surprising Fact

May’s solar geomagnetic storm prompted a warning from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which was the first of its kind in nearly two decades.

Further Reading

Northern Lights Return: See The Aurora Borealis Tonight In These Places (Forbes)

Northern Lights Sweep U.S.—California To Florida—In ‘Potentially Historic Event’ (Photos) (Forbes)

‘Severe’ Geomagnetic Storm Could Trigger Northern Lights In The U.S. Today — Here’s What Could Happen (Forbes)