You can often catch the northern lights from Virginia when solar activity is elevated and skies are dark and clear, but visibility tonight depends on current space weather and local cloud cover. Here’s how to maximize your chances and what to expect tonight. What to expect tonight

• Northern lights occasionally dip as far south as Virginia during strong geomagnetic storms. In recent events, observers across Virginia reported visible auroras, with higher likelihood under dark, clear skies and when solar wind activity is high. Look for faint green or pink glows along the northern horizon, sometimes visible to the naked eye in very dark areas.

• The best viewing window is typically after sunset through the early hours of the morning, with the aurora often appearing higher in the sky but can be near the horizon if activity is weaker. A clear, dark sky away from city lights improves your chances.

Where to look and how to maximize your view

• Location: Seek rural or suburban spots with minimal light pollution and a clear, unobstructed northern horizon. Parks, open fields, or higher ground with a northward view are ideal.

• Timing: Check local sunset times and monitor space weather forecasts for potential aurora activity tonight. If a geomagnetic storm is active, the odds improve, especially between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. local time.

• Weather: Clouds can completely obscure the aurora. Use a short-term forecast to pick a night with mostly clear skies.

• Photography helps: Aurora can be faint; long exposures or night modes on smartphones can reveal colors better than the naked eye. Bring a tripod and use exposure times of several seconds to tens of seconds as conditions allow.

How to stay informed tonight

• Check updated aurora forecasts from reliable space-weather sources for the latest Kp-index predictions and viewing guidance for your specific location in Virginia.

• Local news outlets and social media reports from nearby observers can give real-time sightings and best-viewing tips for your area.

Practical tips

• Dress warmly and bring a chair or blanket; viewing may require patience in cold conditions.
• Bring a thermos and a snack; being comfortable increases your willingness to stay outdoors if the aurora is faint or intermittent.
• Be flexible: if clouds move in, switch to a different observing location nearby with a clearer northern horizon.

If you’d like, share your exact Virginia location and the time you can observe tonight, and this can be translated into a tailored, hour-by-hour plan with the most likely viewing windows based on current forecasts.