Map: Here's which US states may be able to see the northern lights
The aurora borealis can be seen in at least 10 states. Check out our map for real-time aurora forecast.
The aurora borealis can be seen in at least 10 states. Check out our map for real-time aurora forecast.
North America's night sky beams once more as the aurora borealis may be viewable in at least 10 states, including Alaska, according to .
The Aurora Borealis, also known as the northern lights, occurs when electrically charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth's atmosphere. This is most visible between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
NOAA's aurora viewline represents the southernmost locations from which the lights could be seen in the northern horizon. A rough approximation of the states includes the following:
- Washington
- Idaho
- Montana
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- Maine
- Alaska
According to NOAA, the aurora does not need to be directly overhead but can be observed from as far as 621 miles away. However, other factors, like cloud cover, can affect the view.
NOAA says the aurora borealis can be viewed Aug. 19 and Aug. 20.
For the real-time forecast of the aurora from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, check out our map below.