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These states have a chance to see northern lights tonight
USA Today • • science
Key Points:
- On Tuesday, Sept. 8, seven U.S. states including Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin have a low chance of seeing the northern lights, while Alaska has a high chance, according to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center.
- Alaska holds the highest likelihood among U.S. states to witness the aurora borealis, with most of Canada also experiencing a high probability of visibility.
- The northern lights are caused by charged particles from solar activity entering Earth's magnetosphere and colliding with oxygen and nitrogen particles, creating bright, colorful ribbons of light in the sky.
- The phenomenon is linked to solar flares and coronal mass ejections that send charged particles toward Earth, making aurora sightings possible during periods of increased solar activity.
- NOAA provides maps and updates on northern lights visibility, highlighting areas near the U.S.-Canadian border as having the best chances outside of Alaska.
