Watch a time-lapse of the brilliant aurora borealis
A vivid time-lapse capture of the aurora borealis lighting up the New Hampshire sky on September 14th.
Northern lights are expected to light up the night sky in about 20 states across the U.S. starting Tuesday, Nov. 11, as a powerful solar storm approaches Earth.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s latest aurora forecast map, at least 21 states have a chance to see the aurora, and the view could last into the early morning hours of Wednesday, Nov. 12. NOAA says the best time to see the aurora borealis is usually between 6pm and 6am Central Time.
Officially known as the aurora borealis, this colorful night sky is caused by the interaction of the Earth’s magnetic field with the sun’s plasma, according to the National Weather Service.
Viewlines from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center indicate these states could get a glimpse of the phenomenon.
In which states can you see the Northern Lights tonight?
The Northern Lights should be visible in the following U.S. states from the night of Tuesday, November 11th through the early morning hours of Wednesday, November 12th:
- alaska
- idaho
- illinois
- Indiana
- iowa
- maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- minnesota
- montana
- nebraska
- new hampshire
- new york
- north dakota
- ohio
- pennsylvania
- south dakota
- vermont state
- wyoming
- washington
- wisconsin
Natalie Neisa Alland is a senior reporter at USA TODAY. Contact her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her at X @nataliealund.
