Northern Lights Alert: Up to 20 States to Witness Spectacular Display This Week

Get ready for a celestial treat as the northern lights are expected to appear in parts of the United States this week. Increased solar activity has raised the chances of auroras appearing farther south than usual, with several states poised to witness this natural phenomenon. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center, a coronal mass ejection from the sun is expected to reach Earth, triggering minor to moderate geomagnetic storms. These storms can improve the odds of seeing the aurora borealis in the northern US, but visibility will still depend on cloud cover, darkness, and the strength of the storm. Several states, including Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and 16 others, are near or above the aurora "view line," making sightings possible. However, forecasters warn that auroras are unpredictable and conditions could change rapidly. To increase your chances of witnessing the northern lights, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommends looking for the spectacle between 10 pm and 2 am local time. During geomagnetic storms, auroras can also appear earlier in the evening. To improve visibility, experts suggest finding a dark area away from city lights, facing north with a clear view of the horizon, and letting your eyes adjust to darkness for at least 30 minutes. Using a phone camera with night mode or manual settings and keeping it steady can also help you capture the fleeting display. With the right conditions and a little patience, skywatchers in these states may be treated to a spectacular display of the northern lights this week.