If you have been waiting for another chance to see the northern lights, tonight may be your moment. A fast-moving cloud of charged solar particles, known as a coronal mass ejection, is currently racing toward Earth after erupting from an X1.4-class solar flare on March 30. If it connects with our planet as predicted, the result could be a vivid aurora borealis display across a wide stretch of the United States on the night of March 31.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center says geomagnetic activity is likely to intensify as the solar blast approaches. The same event triggered strong radio blackouts when it erupted, and tonight’s geomagnetic storm is expected to peak at moderate G2 levels before gradually easing to minor G1 levels by Wednesday, April 1.
When to watch
Head outside as soon as it gets dark enough in your area. Geomagnetic activity is expected to build before nightfall and persist through the overnight hours, with peak conditions arriving tonight before the display begins to fade. Activity should gradually wind down through Wednesday, so tonight offers the strongest window for viewing.
Which 16 states could see the northern lights
NOAA’s forecast places the following 16 states fully or partially above the aurora view line tonight: 1. Alaska, 2. North Dakota, 3. Minnesota, 4. Montana, 5. Wisconsin, 6. South Dakota, 7. Idaho, 8. Michigan, 9. Maine, 10. Vermont, 11. New Hampshire, 12. Washington, 13. Oregon, 14. Iowa, 15. New York, and 16. Wyoming.
It is worth noting that those boundaries are not fixed. If the storm strengthens when the CME makes contact and activity reaches G3 levels, the aurora could dip significantly farther south than the current forecast suggests. The reverse is also possible — if conditions do not align as expected, the display may be less widespread. Keeping a close eye on NOAA’s real-time aurora forecast throughout the evening is the best way to stay ahead of any changes.
How to find the best viewing spot
The northern lights are beautiful but fickle, and where you watch from matters as much as when. Find a location well away from city lights with a wide, unobstructed view of the northern horizon. Elevated areas with minimal light pollution offer the clearest sightlines and the least interference from artificial sources. Once you are in position, give your eyes at least 20 minutes to fully adjust to the dark before expecting to see much. Rushing that process is one of the most common reasons people miss a display that is actually happening right in front of them.
How to photograph the aurora with your phone
A dedicated camera is not required to capture the northern lights. A modern smartphone in Night Mode is more than capable of producing memorable images. Simply open your camera settings, enable Night Mode, and point your lens toward the northern sky. Keep your hands as steady as possible or prop the phone against something solid to reduce blur during the longer exposure.
For those with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, mount it on a tripod and switch to manual mode. Experiment with exposure time, aperture, and ISO settings depending on how active the display is, and allow yourself time to adjust between shots. Whether you are shooting on a phone or a professional camera, patience is the most important tool at your disposal. The aurora does not perform on a fixed schedule, and the best moments often come when you least expect them.
Source: PEOPLE.com / NOAA