Look up Americans, it’s time to get ready to witness the spectacular aurora borealis or aurora borealis tonight. According to reports, auroras may appear in the skies of the northern US on January 16. Here’s a list of states that could see the aurora borealis tonight.
Based on NOAA’s latest aurora forecast map, as reported by Space.com, the following 15 U.S. states appear entirely or partially above the line of sight for the aurora borealis:
- Alaska
- North Dakota
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- South Dakota
- Idaho
- Maine
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Washington
- Iowa
- Wyoming
- New York
However, remember that the auroras can be very volatile. The list is based on current forecast data at the time of publication, but if conditions strengthen, the aurora could reach much further south than expected, Space.com reported.
Time
The aurora could be visible in these 15 US states (January 16-17) after dark, so it pays to watch the sky throughout the evening, especially in clear and dark sky areas.
According to NOAA’s three-day forecast, geomagnetic storm activity is expected to be best during the following times: 1:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. EST (0600-1200 GMT): Small geomagnetic storm (G1) conditions possible.
How to see the northern lights
If you’re in one of the 15 U.S. states where the aurora borealis could appear tonight, here’s what you can do to increase your chances of seeing it.
1. Start by finding a spot with an unobstructed view to the north, preferably somewhere dark and away from city lights. The clearer your view of the northern horizon, the better.
2. Start scanning the sky with your phone’s camera, as they can usually pick up faint aurora borealis that aren’t immediately visible to the naked eye, helping you determine where the activity might start.
3. Dark adaptation is key and often overlooked when chasing the aurora borealis. If you can, give your eyes at least 30 minutes to fully adjust to the dark so you can detect the subtle auroras. Keep in mind that even a quick glance at a bright light or phone screen can reset the process and force you to start over
4. Dress for the wait. Aurora shows can be unpredictable, and if conditions look promising, you may find yourself waiting outside for a while. Make sure you wear enough layers!
