Heads up aurora chasers! Several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are currently affecting Earth, with more expected to arrive through the weekend (March 20-22).
Geomagnetic activity is likely to increase over the next couple of days as a series of CME impacts combine with a high-speed solar wind stream from a coronal hole. This one-two punch could trigger minor to moderate (G1 to G2) geomagnetic storms tonight, with a chance for stronger (G3) conditions on March 21, potentially pushing northern lights further south than usual, according to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.
Meanwhile, the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a moderate (G2) geomagnetic storm watch for 20.-21. March, with increased activity expected to persist until March 22. Although the first CME seems to have already passed Eartha more direct impact from a March 18 outbreak is expected to arrive on March 21, along with the outbreak of fasting solar wind — helps stimulate northern lights activity into the weekend.
Where can I see the northern lights tonight?
States that can see the Northern Lights tonight
Based on the latest NOAA aurora forecast mapthe following 18 US states are shown in whole or in part above the Northern Lights.
- Alaska
- North Dakota
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Washington
- Idaho
- Wisconsin
- South Dakota
- Michigan
- Maine
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Oregon
- Wyoming
- Iowa
- Nebraska
- New York
- Illinois
But remember that the northern lights can be fickle. The list is based on current forecast data at the time of publication, but if conditions intensify, the northern lights may reach much further south than expected. Likewise, if the conditions don’t line up, the show can fail miserably.
Related: The Northern Lights may get a boost from the spring equinox this weekend – here’s why
Aurora warning in the Northern Hemisphere courtesy of the UK Met Office
When is the best time to look for the northern lights?
If the skies are clear, it’s worth heading out as soon as darkness falls, as geomagnetic activity is expected to remain elevated overnight and into the weekend.
according to NOAA’s latest forecastactivity is expected to peak at moderate (G2) storm levels overnight on the 20th-21st. March. Conditions are expected to gradually ease to minor (G1) levels by March 22nd, although chances of northern lights may still persist, so keep those cameras charged!
|
EDT |
GMT |
Activity |
|---|---|---|
|
14:00-20:00 (March 20) |
1800-0000 |
Moderate (G2) geomagnetic storm possible |
|
20:00 – 23:00 (March 20) |
0000-0300 |
Minor (G1) geomagnetic storm possible |
|
23:00-05:00 (March 21) |
0300-0900 |
Moderate (G2) geomagnetic storm possible |
This is how you can see the northern lights tonight
If you’re in one of the US states where the northern lights can appear, a little preparation can go a long way to improving your chances of seeing them.
- Go to a dark place with a clear, unobstructed view of the northern horizon – the further you are from city lights, the better. Once you’re set up, keep an eye on the sky and try using your phone’s camera to scan for faint glows, which often appear on the screen before they’re visible to the naked eye.
- Give your eyes time to adjust to the dark – at least 20-30 minutes if possible. Avoid looking at bright lights or your phone too often, as this can reset your night vision and make faint northern lights harder to spot.
- Dress warmly and be patient. Aurora displays can be unpredictable and you may have to wait for the activity to build.
We recommend downloading a space weather app that provides aurora alerts based on your location. One option I use is “My Aurora Forecast & Alerts,” available for both iOS and Android. However, any similar app should work fine. I also use the “Space Weather Live” app, which is available on iOS and Androidto gain a deeper understanding of the flow space weather conditions are favorable for northern lights.
Want to take the perfect northern lights photo? Our how to photograph the aurora’s guide can help. If you’re looking to upgrade your kit to take the best astrophotos, we’ve got it covered best cameras for astrophotography.
Editor’s note: If you take a photo of the northern or southern lights and want to share it with Space.com readers, send your photos, comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com.
