A Rare Aurora Show Could Light Up U.S. Skies Tonight
Aurora chasers, get ready — the northern lights might put on a dazzling show tonight as an incoming solar storm heads toward Earth. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says a coronal mass ejection (CME) could spark geomagnetic storm conditions from the night of August 7 into the early hours of August 8.
Although the CME is expected to only graze Earth, even a slight hit could disrupt the planet’s magnetic field and create stunning auroras.
Storm Strength and Timing Remain Uncertain
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) and the U.K. Met Office forecast a chance of minor (G1) to moderate (G2) geomagnetic storms, with a slim possibility of reaching strong (G3) levels.
In the U.S., NOAA predicts the storm could begin as early as 11:00 p.m. EDT on August 7 (0300 GMT on August 8). The most active period may be from 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. EDT (0600–0900 GMT), when the Kp index — which measures geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0 to 9 — could rise enough to bring auroras well into northern states.
The U.K. Met Office, however, suggests a later arrival, possibly during daylight on August 8, which would shift the best viewing window to the night of August 8–9. Because solar storms can be unpredictable, experts advise watching the skies both nights.
Where You Might See the Northern Lights
According to NOAA’s latest forecast, residents in the following 18 U.S. states could have a chance to see auroras tonight, weather and light conditions permitting:
Alaska
Montana
North Dakota
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Michigan
Maine
South Dakota
Vermont
New Hampshire
Idaho
Washington
Oregon
New York
Wyoming
Iowa
Nebraska
Illinois
Auroras are known for surprising viewers — sometimes appearing much farther south than expected, other times barely showing at all. The perfect display depends on many factors aligning, including storm strength, cloud cover, and local light pollution.
Your Best Chance to Catch the Glow
For the best shot at seeing tonight’s display, head to a dark location away from city lights. Keep an eye on live aurora tracking apps or NOAA’s updates. If the skies stay clear and the storm aligns just right, you might be rewarded with shimmering ribbons of green, pink, or even purple dancing overhead.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for the latest updates on tonight’s northern lights display and other breaking weather stories.
