Skygazers, get ready — the northern lights are putting on a double feature this week! Thanks to solar eruptions hurling charged particles toward Earth, the aurora borealis could shimmer across the night skies late Tuesday and Wednesday.
While Canada and Alaska get front-row seats, a handful of northern U.S. states like Montana, Michigan and Maine might steal a peek too.
These dancing ribbons of color happen when the sun’s particles collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere near the poles. Predicting showtimes is tricky, so check NOAA’s real-time aurora forecast.
And as for Arizona? Sadly, this cosmic light show won’t be gracing our desert skies this time around.
Here is everything to know about the aurora borealis.
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What time can I see the northern lights tonight?
The northern lights are typically most visible between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, though the exact timing can shift depending on solar activity and cloud cover.
Which direction do I look to see the northern lights?
In the U.S., you’ll want to look toward the northern horizon. The aurora usually starts low on the horizon and, during stronger storms, can stretch overhead, but your best bet is facing north.
Can you see the northern lights in AZ?
Sorry, once again, Arizona will be missing out on the experience. Arizona is too far south for regular northern lights sightings. Very rarely, during extreme geomagnetic storms, faint displays have been photographed from the northern parts of Arizona, but it’s a long shot. This week’s activity won’t be visible from Arizona.
Who will be able to see the aurora borealis?
According to NOAA’s projection, the states that will be able to view the northern lights are:
- North Dakota.
- Montana.
- Minnesota.
- Washington.
- Michigan.
- Wisconsin.
- Maine.
- Oregon.
- Idaho.
- Wyoming.
- Iowa.
- New York.
- Nebraska.
- Illinois.
- Vermont.
- New Hampshire.
- Pennsylvania.
How long do the northern lights last?
A northern lights display can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. The intensity and duration depend on the strength of the solar storm and local conditions.
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