Northern Lights Forecast: Check the 15 States Where the Aurora Will Be Visible Tonight and Why

Northern Lights Tonight Forecast: The night sky is about to put on a magical show! The aurora borealis could make a dazzling appearance tonight in some parts of the U.S., thanks to high-speed solar winds and a recent coronal mass ejection. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing those swirling, colorful lights dance across the sky, tonight might be your chance.

Here’s everything you need to know about where, when, and how to catch this natural wonder.

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What’s Causing the Northern Lights Tonight?

The northern lights happen when energy from the sun slams into Earth’s magnetic field. Right now, we’ve got fast solar winds and extra energy flowing our way. NOAA’s latest forecast shows a Hemisphere Power Index of about 20 gigawatts, which means there’s plenty of juice to power visible auroras tonight.

Which States Have the Best Chance to See the Northern Lights Tonight?

According to NOAA’s 30-minute aurora model, the oval of activity is looking pretty strong. Normally, auroras stay closer to the Arctic Circle, but tonight the lights could dip farther south into the U.S.

Here are the areas with the best chances to spot the northern lights tonight:

• Alaska
• Northern Canada 
• Washington
• Idaho
• Montana
• Wyoming
• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Minnesota
• Wisconsin
• New York
• Vermont
• New Hampshire

When Is the Best Time to Watch the Aurora Borealis?

Timing is everything for spotting the northern lights. According to NOAA:

• The prime window is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.

• Aim for north-facing, high vantage points away from city lights.

• Nights in winter are typically better since the skies are darker for longer; however, the auroras can appear at any time of year if solar activity is high.

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Why Are the Northern Lights Happening More Frequently?

Solar events, such as flares and CMEs, are responsible for this dazzling phenomenon. When electrons from these solar events hit Earth’s atmosphere, they collide with oxygen and nitrogen, releasing energy as swirling, colorful lights.

NASA and NOAA have noted that solar activity peaked in late 2024, meaning we can expect more auroras in the coming months, especially into early 2026. So, if you miss tonight, don’t worry, more shows are on the horizon.