Northern Lights May Be Visible in 15 U.S. States Tonight & Tomorrow

Why Northern Lights Are Showing Up More Often

Aurora activity has increased recently due to the sun approaching solar maximum, the peak of its 11-year cycle. During this period, geomagnetic storms become more frequent, pushing the aurora farther south than usual.

This is why the lights were visible as far south as Louisiana in May 2024. Events like that are still rare, but northern U.S. sightings are becoming more common.

Where the Northern Lights Could Be Visible Tonight

According to NOAA’s aurora viewline projection, Alaska has the highest likelihood of seeing the northern lights. Several northern-tier states have a lower but still possible chance.

States with a chance Tuesday night include:

• Alaska (highest likelihood)

• Minnesota

• Montana

• North Dakota

• Wisconsin

States with partial or lower likelihood:

• Washington

• Idaho

• Wyoming

• South Dakota

• Iowa

• Michigan

• New York

• Vermont

• New Hampshire

• Maine

Major cities like Seattle, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Buffalo fall into the lower probability zone, but visibility is still possible under dark skies.

Source: Screenshot from NOAA website, March 31st

Another Chance Wednesday Night

NOAA projections show the aurora could continue into Wednesday night, though coverage becomes slightly more limited.

High likelihood: Alaska

Lower likelihood in parts of:

• Idaho

• Maine

• Michigan

• Minnesota

• Montana

• North Dakota

• South Dakota

• Washington

• Wisconsin

This means some northern Midwest and northern mountain states may still have a viewing window.

How to Improve Your Chances

If you’re planning to try spotting the northern lights:

• Find dark skies away from city lights

• Check cloud cover before heading out

• Give your eyes time to adjust

• Use your phone camera. Sometimes the aurora appears stronger in photos

• Look low on the northern horizon

Even faint auroras can appear as green or white glows.

Best Time to Look

The aurora is typically most visible shortly after sunset and just before sunrise. For most U.S. viewers, that means:

• Between 9 PM and 2 AM local time

• Away from city lights

• Facing north

Clear skies are critical. Even a strong aurora can be hidden by cloud cover.

TL;DR

• Northern lights may be visible in up to 15 U.S. states tonight

• Alaska has the highest likelihood

• Northern Midwest and Northeast have lower chances

• Another viewing window is possible tomorrow night

• Best viewing time is between 9 PM and 2 AM

• Dark skies away from cities improve visibility

• Solar activity is increasing aurora sightings in 2026