Step outside tonight and you may be in for a breathtaking treat—the northern lights may be making a rare appearance across nearly two dozen states in the U.S. thanks to a powerful geomagnetic storm. The Space Weather Prediction Center issued a special alert, predicting a G3 geomagnetic storm through midday Tuesday, December 9. While the exact timing is uncertain, the best bet for catching a glimpse of the auroras will be late Monday night into early Tuesday, with a possible encore on Tuesday night.
According to NOAA, states where the northern lights may be visible include Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and more, with the potential for sightings stretching from the Midwest to the West Coast. However, visibility depends heavily on weather conditions, so crossing your fingers for clear skies and minimal cloud cover is a must.
The sight is a result of a “full-halo” coronal mass ejection caused by a solar flare on December 6. These events can trigger geomagnetic storms that push the auroras much farther south than usual. To increase your chances of catching this natural wonder, consider venturing away from city lights, allowing your eyes to adjust to the darkness, and facing the northern horizon between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time when geomagnetic activity peaks.
If you’re lucky enough to witness this celestial show, share your photos with The Weather Channel by emailing them at [email protected] for a chance to be featured in their daily newsletter. And remember, the key to experiencing these extraordinary events is to stay patient, stay curious, and keep looking up.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.