Bucket listers, tonight may be your chance to cross a top item off your list. No, we're not talking about seeing a favorite celebrity or traveling to a dream country. We're talking about something better, something free that can potentially be done from the comfort of your home.
For many states, there's a high probability of viewing the Northern Lights tonight.
What are the Northern Lights?
Aurora Borealis, as it's more formally known, is a phenomenon that occurs when particles from space enter Earth's magnetic field, colliding with molecules in the planet's upper atmosphere. The result is waves of neon light dancing through the sky.
Most of the time, this phenomenon is only visible in or around the Arctic Circle in countries such as Canada, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Russia. However, every so often, a cosmic event will occur that drops the visibility line of the Northern Lights lower, making them viewable from several U.S. states.
Why will the Northern Lights be visible?
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a severe geomagnetic storm is set to impact Earth from June 1-3, 2025, reaching its peak on June 2. While a geomagnetic storm may seem scary, it's quite harmless to humans.
A geomagnetic storm occurs when there's a swift change in solar wind. This typically happens a few times a year, with more severe storms occurring every couple of years, like the one tonight.
Because of the shift in wind, the visibility line of the Aurora Borealis moves south, expanding its potential for viewing.
How to watch the Northern Lights
While viewing the Northern Lights may seem self-explanatory, just look at the sky; there are a few more factors at play that can affect if and how well you may be able to spot the cosmic phenomenon.
First is location, there are 16 states that are said to have visibility for tonight's event. Second is the weather. Aurora Borealis is best viewed via clear night skies. Third is light. Like stargazing, the Northern Lights are most visible in a dark setting, away from city light pollution. Last is time. The best time to watch the dance of the sky is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., which means you won't have to stay up too late.
Which states can see the Northern Lights?
Visibility will depend on a number of factors, but these states are said to have the best chance of viewing the Aurora Borealis during tonight's storm.
- Alaska
- Idaho
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Kate (she/her) is the associate editor of The Pioneer Woman Magazine. She writes features, commerce, and travel content. Kate brings nearly five years of home, food, and lifestyle experience to the role, including time as editorial assistant at Good Housekeeping. Her bylines have appeared in Woman’s Day, Food Network Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Dream Kitchens & Baths, and more. When she’s not writing, Kate can be found lazing in the park with a sudoku in hand.
