How to see the northern lights in several U.S. states this weekend

The northern lights are typically relegated to the far, far north of the continent, within the Arctic Circle. But this weekend, a large number of United States residents will be able to witness the phenomenon, known scientifically as aurora borealis.

Due to a series of solar flares this week and the fact that the Sun is at the height of its 11-year cycle, the northern lights will be visible in much of the northern U.S.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the auroras could begin as early as Friday evening and could be visible until Sunday. Per NOAA, the northern lights are most visible from the hours of 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. local time.

The northern lights are expected to be most visible in northern Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin and much of North Dakota, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center’s experimental aurora viewline. However, experts have said they could be visible as far south as northern California and Alabama.

The Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) has issued the first G4 (Severe) geomagnetic watch since 2005. The aurora tonight/tomorrow morning may become visible over much of the northern half of the country, and maybe as far south as Alabama to northern California.
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— National Weather Service (@NWS) May 10, 2024

While the northern lights are typically an arctic phenomenon, they can frequently appear much further south. An unusual event in March 2023, for example, led to the lights being seen across much of the country including as far south as Phoenix.