Aurora Alert: Tonight's Northern Light Show Will Be Visible Farther South Than Usual

Skies across the Northern Hemisphere are in for a special Labor Day light show as an intense "cannibal" solar storm speeds toward Earth. Expected to hit the planet's magnetic field between the wee hours of September 1 and 2, the storm has the potential to tint the sky with vibrant auroras, visible much farther south than usual. In other words, this would be a rare opportunity for millions to witness the Northern Lights without traveling to polar regions.

While such strong storms can pose a risk to satellites and power grids, perhaps their most enchanting effect is the creation of brilliant auroras. The intensity of tonight's storm means that the aurora oval will expand, bringing the auroral display even to lower latitudes.

In the United States, skygazers in as many as 18 states have a chance to see the display. The list includes states typically known for aurora viewing, such as Alaska, Montana, and North Dakota, but this time also extends to a broader range of states including Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, New York, Illinois, Oregon, and Washington. The peak of the storm is predicted to occur between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. EDT on September 2, offering the best chance for viewing. However, conditions are expected to remain relatively elevated into September 3, providing further viewing opportunities.

For the best chance to see the Northern Lights, we recommend finding a dark location away from city lights with a clear view of the northern horizon. The auroras may not appear as vibrant columns initially; they often begin as a faint, greenish glow on the horizon before intensifying and dancing across the sky. Patience is key, as the display can come in waves.