Northern Lights: Forecasters predict 10 US states where auroras could be visible over holiday period - Check the best time and full list of states

The northern lights could appear across parts of the United States again tonight as fast-moving solar wind from an Earth-facing coronal hole is expected to trigger minor (G1) geomagnetic storm conditions, reported space.com. The forecast comes from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, which says geomagnetic activity may increase overnight, improving the chances of aurora borealis sightings in some mid-latitude regions. Space weather experts, as reported by space.com, add that earth is likely to stay under the influence of this fast solar wind through December 24. As a result, aurora watchers may have multiple chances to see the northern lights over the holiday period, especially during clear, dark nighttime hours.

BEST TIME TO WATCH AURORA BOREALIS

According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, as reported by Yahoo News, the best time to view the northern lights is expected to be between 10 PM and 2 AM local time. According to space.com, choose a north-facing location with a clear view of the northern horizon and as little light pollution as possible. Use your phone’s camera to scan the sky, as it can detect faint auroras before they are visible to the naked eye, helping you know where to look. Allow your eyes at least 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness, as this will improve your night vision and increase your chances of spotting the lights.

10 STATES WHERE AURORAS COULD BE VISIBLE

Based on the latest NOAA aurora forecast map, the following 10 US states, as reported by Space.com, are either fully or partially positioned above the aurora viewing line:

• Alaska
• Washington
• North Dakota
• Minnesota
• Montana
• Maine
• Michigan
• Wisconsin
• South Dakota
• Idaho