Editor's note: The CME forecasted to hit Dec. 9 failed to deliver. According to space weather forecasters at NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center and the U.K. Met Office, the anticipated CME either missed Earth or only brushed our planet weakly, resulting in no significant response.
Geomagnetic conditions are expected to stay quiet through Dec. 11, with only a slight chance of brief enhancements if any of the recent small, non-direct CMEs happen to glance Earth.
The northern lights could put on a show across the U.S. tonight as a coronal mass ejection (CME) is forecast to hit Earth, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center.
The full-halo CME was released during an M8.1 solar flare on Dec. 6 and is expected to impact Earth today (Dec. 9), potentially causing periods of strong (G3) geomagnetic storming.
This is great news for aurora chasers as it increases the chance of seeing the northern lights at both high and mid-latitudes tonight.
Where can I see the northern lights tonight?
States that could see auroras tonight
Based on the latest NOAA aurora forecast map, the following 15 states appear fully or partially above the aurora view line:
- Alaska
- North Dakota
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Wisconsin
- South Dakota
- Michigan
- Idaho
- Washington
- Maine
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Iowa
- Wyoming
- New York
The list ranks states from most likely to least likely to see auroras based on proximity to and coverage within the auroral zone.
But remember, auroras can be fickle creatures. The list is based on current forecast data, but if conditions strengthen and skies are clear, auroras could reach farther south than expected. Then again, if conditions don't align, we might end up with a "nothing burger" and no auroras at all! We shall have to wait patiently and see.
Northern hemisphere aurora forecast courtesy of the U.K. Met Office
What time should I look for the northern lights tonight?
The northern lights may be seen from 15 U.S. states tonight (Dec. 9-10) as soon as it gets dark, so it's worth keeping an eye on the sky throughout the evening.
According to NOAA's 3-day forecast, geomagnetic storm activity is expected to be best at the following times:
- 1:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. EST Dec. 9 (0600-1500 GMT) Moderate and strong G2/G3 level storming possible
- 10:00 a.m. Dec. 9 - 4 a.m. EST Dec. 10 (1500-0900 GMT Dec. 10) Minor G1 level storming possible.
How can I see the northern lights from where I live?
If you live in one of the 15 U.S. states forecasted to catch a glimpse of the northern lights tonight, there are a few things you can do to give yourself the best chance of seeing them.
Find a north-facing vantage point with a clear view of the northern horizon, as far from light pollution as possible.
Use your phone camera to scan the sky, as a phone camera is great at picking up faint auroras before your eyes spot them. This will give you a good idea of which direction to focus your attention.
Try and let your eyes adapt to the dark for at least 30 minutes; this will help your night vision develop.
Wear warm clothing! Part of the fun of aurora hunting is the chase. Be prepared to sit or stand for hours if conditions are looking promising, as you won't want to miss the show when it starts!
We recommend downloading a space weather app that provides aurora forecasts based on your location. One option I use is "My Aurora Forecast & Alerts," available for both iOS and Android. However, any similar app should work well. I also use the "Space Weather Live" app, which is available on iOS and Android, to get a deeper understanding of whether the current space weather conditions are favorable for aurora sightings. Want to capture the perfect photo? Our how to photograph auroras guide can help.
