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The Northern Lights are making a highly anticipated return to the night skies over Canada and parts of the United States, offering one of the best viewing opportunities in weeks.

Thanks to a recent solar eruption, people across multiple U.S. states will have a chance to witness the vibrant glow of the aurora borealis.

Solar Storm Sparks Aurora Display

Over the weekend, the sun unleashed a powerful burst of charged particles in an event known as a coronal mass ejection (CME). These particles are now racing toward Earth and are expected to collide with the planet’s magnetic field between Sept. 1 and Sept. 2.

According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, the impact could trigger G2 (Moderate) to G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm conditions, fueling the aurora display.

AccuWeather noted that “Active Region 4199 produced a long-duration M2.7 flare” that peaked on August 30, setting the stage for this celestial show.

Where to See the Northern Lights

The aurora could extend well beyond its typical range, with visibility expected in states including Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Nebraska, as well as Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon on the West Coast. For those farther north, skywatchers in Canada and the Upper Midwest will be especially well-positioned.

“The best chance to see the aurora is in areas with clear skies and minimal light pollution,” NOAA meteorologists explained.

What Causes the Northern Lights?

The northern lights occur when charged solar particles collide with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere. These collisions excite oxygen and nitrogen molecules, producing brilliant colors:

• Green: Oxygen at lower altitudes (up to 150 km)
• Red: Oxygen at higher altitudes (above 150 km)
• Blue & Purple: Nitrogen interactions

The result can appear as curtains, arcs, or spirals of shimmering light across the sky.

Tips for Viewing

• Find a dark location with a clear northern horizon
• Allow eyes time to adjust to the darkness
• Use a tripod for steady long-exposure photography

Even with summer nights shortening, September’s longer evenings provide prime conditions for aurora watching. While this event may not match the record-breaking aurora storms of 2024, it is expected to be one of the best since spring.

For real-time aurora forecasts, visit AccuWeather.com or NOAA’s Space Weather Center.

For More about the Northern lights.

• September sunlight loss: Days shrink by 100 minutes in part of US
• Northern lights could be visible in more than a dozen US states Monday night