You Might Be Able to See the Northern Lights Wednesday Night

It’s been a busy year for the breathtaking northern lights, as the stunning sky display has already appeared over the US on multiple occasions throughout the year. Now, a very small number of Americans will be able to see it again. On Wednesday evening, the aurora borealis is slated to make its return, for one night only. This particular aurora borealis is expected to be visible only in the northernmost states in the US, although it’s been known to stretch further than predicted before.

Tonight’s aurora arrives courtesy of a G1-level geomagnetic storm that began hitting the Earth earlier this afternoon, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center. Geomagnetic storms are caused by coronal mass ejections, a fancy term that describes what happens when the sun blasts out a bunch of its solar material all at once. When that material hits the Earth, it interacts with the planet’s magnetosphere, causing the aurora borealis. The CME causing tonight’s aurora borealis is described by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as a “glancing blow.” That means it’s sideswiping Earth as it passes by.

Read more: Get Outside and Catch a Meteor Shower: Here Are All the Ones Left in 2024

The increased amount of activity this year is thanks to the sun’s 11-year solar cycle, which began its peak in 2024 and will continue into 2025. In other words, you can expect even more aurora borealis sightings over the next year, as the sun ejects more and more of its solar material into the universe. It could also mean an increased risk of things like power outages and other types of issues, though G1-level storms rarely cause significant problems.

The strongest geomagnetic storm to hit Earth this year was the G5-level storm that hit the US back in May. You may remember that week since aurora borealis was visible as far south as Texas for nearly a week straight. The aurora borealis slated for Wednesday evening isn’t nearly as powerful, but it should still give off a good light show to those who live far enough north.

Where will aurora borealis be visible?

Tonight’s aurora borealis should be readily visible, at least in part, of almost any state that borders Canada. NOAA’s forecast says it’ll reach as far south as South Dakota, Wisconsin and most of Minnesota. These are preliminary forecasts, however, and not set in stone. NOAA says that the geomagnetic storm has the potential to increase in intensity, which would drive the aurora borealis even further south. In other words, even if you’re not included in the map below, you may still want to look outside and see if it stretches any further. 

Per NOAA’s report, the height of the geomagnetic storm is slated for tonight, but may stretch into Thursday and Friday.