Northern Lights Expected to be Visible Tonight in 10 U.S. States - Find Out When and Where to See Them

This Thanksgiving weekend presents a prime opportunity for sky watchers to witness a spectacular natural phenomenon. The northern lights might appear over parts of the U.S. tonight, and possibly again tomorrow, according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.

NOAA provides constantly updated maps showing where the aurora borealis could be visible across North America on any given night. A curved line on the map, known as the viewline, indicates the southernmost locations where the lights could be seen on the northern horizon. This means even those far south of Alaska or the Canadian border could catch a faint green shimmer.

The forecast relies on the OVATION model and factors in the highest expected geomagnetic activity between 6:00 PM and 6:00 PM Central Time. When the aurora is bright, it can sometimes be visible up to 1,000 kilometers (about 620 miles) away.

When the Northern Lights Could Appear

According to NOAAs aurora viewline tool, the northern lights might become visible after darkness falls tonight and again tomorrow night, depending on geomagnetic conditions. Auroras are most often spotted just after sunset or shortly before sunrise, and are never visible in daylight. Because NOAA updates the maps continuously, the exact timing may shift throughout the evening.

Where Visibility Is Possible

The viewline tonight covers northern regions of the country, with its exact position moving as new data arrives. If you are north of the line, the aurora may appear low on the horizon. Although NOAA does not list states on the viewline page, the map suggests potential visibility across northern U.S. areas. On nights with strong activity, the aurora can extend farther south into the continental U.S.

States that could see the aurora tonight include:

• North Dakota
• South Dakota

Tips for Maximizing Your Viewing Chances

NOAA emphasizes that auroras can sometimes be spotted from farther away than expected, but several factors can improve visibility:

• Choose a dark location with little to no light pollution.
• Look north toward the horizon.
• Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for about 30 minutes.
• Be prepared for sudden appearances and quick disappearances, as auroras are unpredictable.

Real-Time Aurora Tracking

For those wanting to follow the aurora in real time, NOAA offers two helpful tools:

• The Aurora 30-Minute Forecast, showing near-real-time predictions and the past 24 hours of activity.
• NOAAs Aurora Dashboard (Experimental), which consolidates all aurora tracking products in one place.

If you live near the northern U.S. border or even several hours south tonight could be an excellent opportunity to glance skyward and witness the northern lights without traveling far.

Author: Lucas Grant