Aurora Borealis Visible Tonight Across 24 States as Northern Lights Push Far South

A stunning display of the northern lights could be visible across 24 U.S. states tonight, with forecasters warning that the aurora borealis may stretch as far south as southern Iowa, offering millions of Americans a rare chance to witness the celestial phenomenon.

The Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a geomagnetic storm watch, indicating elevated solar activity is driving the expanded viewing range. When solar winds interact with Earth's magnetic field at heightened intensity, the aurora can be pushed far beyond its typical high-latitude boundaries.

States in the northern tier, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and the Dakotas, are expected to have the best viewing conditions. However, residents across the Midwest and even parts of the central United States may catch a glimpse if skies remain clear and light pollution is minimal.

Experts recommend heading to dark, open areas away from city lights for the best chance of spotting the display. Viewing is typically best between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, when geomagnetic activity tends to peak. Allowing your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness can also significantly improve visibility.

Smartphone cameras, particularly those with night mode enabled, are often able to capture the aurora even when it appears faint to the naked eye. Many skywatchers have reported that photos reveal vivid greens and purples that are difficult to detect without optical assistance.

Forecasters note that aurora predictions can change rapidly depending on solar wind conditions. Residents are encouraged to monitor real-time updates from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center and aurora tracking apps throughout the evening for the latest viewing guidance.