Northern Lights Could Return Tonight — Here’s Where

A solar storm that painted the sky across 23 U.S. states overnight is not done yet — forecasters say the northern lights could return as soon as tonight. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center reported that after a powerful geomagnetic storm triggered auroras as far south as Texas on Thursday night, lingering solar storm effects could produce another show Friday night across parts of the northern U.S. The storm, caused by a coronal mass ejection from the sun that reached Earth on June 4, generated a G4-level geomagnetic storm — the second-strongest category on NOAA's scale. That intensity allowed the aurora borealis to be visible much farther south than usual, with residents in 23 states reporting sightings. States that saw the northern lights include Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, and even as far south as Nebraska, Indiana, and Illinois. Skywatchers from Washington state to Maine were treated to vivid green and pink ribbons dancing overhead. The northern lights return tonight remains a real possibility, forecasters say, though visibility will depend on how quickly the solar wind subsides and whether additional coronal mass ejections arrive. NOAA's current forecast suggests a Kp index of 6 out of 9 for Friday night, meaning auroras could be visible as low as the 45th parallel. That encompasses cities like Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Buffalo, and Portland, Oregon — and possibly even farther south if conditions intensify.

This aurora forecast tonight comes at a time when the sun is approaching the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, expected in 2026-2027. Solar activity has ramped up significantly, with more frequent flares and coronal mass ejections. That means northern lights sightings, once rare for most Americans outside Alaska, are becoming increasingly common even in mid-latitude states. The increased solar activity is part of the sun's natural cycle; when the sun is at solar maximum, it releases more charged particles that interact with Earth's magnetic field, creating more dramatic auroral displays.

For those hoping to see the northern lights tonight, the key factors are darkness and clear skies. The best viewing window is typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, away from city lights. Cloud cover will be a limiting factor: parts of the Midwest and Northeast could see overcast skies, while the Northern Plains and Pacific Northwest offer better chances. NOAA provides real-time aurora alerts and 30-minute forecasts on its website. The northern lights return tonight could be a last chance in the near term, as the solar storm effects are expected to fade over the weekend.

Looking ahead, space weather forecasters will continue to monitor the sun for additional eruptions. With solar maximum still likely a year or two away, the current cycle — called Solar Cycle 25 — could produce even more intense storms. The northern lights return tonight is just one of many potential displays in the coming months. For now, skywatchers across northern-tier states should keep their eyes on the sky.