Northern Lights Alert: 21 US States to Witness Spectacular Aurora Display Tonight

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A powerful solar storm is heading towards Earth, potentially triggering widespread auroras across the US. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), at least 21 states will be able to see the northern lights tonight. While this event is strong, it's not the first time the US has witnessed an epic aurora display. Here are three past instances when the northern lights lit up the American sky: In April 2023, a severe geomagnetic storm led to a spectacular display, with auroras visible as far south as Arizona and Arkansas. The display was also seen in parts of Australia and New Zealand. In December 2023, a large burst of energy from the sun caused the aurora borealis to light up the night sky in a wide area of North America and Europe. In May 2024, a solar storm caused a spectacular sight, with some Americans reporting sightings from as far north as Maine. Tonight's prediction is for a high-intensity aurora display, with the potential to be visible from 21 states across the US. However, auroras can be fickle, and certain conditions must align perfectly for them to be visible. Auroras are caused by particles and magnetism between the Sun and Earth, known as space weather. When energetic particles from space collide with atoms and molecules in the atmosphere, they cause the colorful glow we see. The color of an aurora depends on the type of gas that is hit by the particles and where that gas is located in the Earth's atmosphere. Residents in the following states can expect to see the northern lights tonight: - Illinois - Indiana - Montana - Nebraska - Pennsylvania - South Dakota - Massachusetts - Michigan - Alaska - Idaho - Vermont - Wyoming - Maine - Minnesota - Ohio - Washington - Iowa - Wisconsin - New York - New Hampshire - North Dakota Check the latest forecast for the best viewing times and locations.