Short answer: aurora activity tonight is forecast to be possible and potentially visible in parts of the U.S. and other regions, with peak chances during evening to early morning hours, but exact visibility depends on local sky conditions and geomagnetic activity. Details to help you plan
- Forecast window: Geomagnetic activity is typically highest in the local evening to late-night hours, often between sunset and around 2–4 AM local time, depending on the forecast period and the strength of the solar storm. Expect the best chances after nightfall and through the early hours of the morning. [NOAA SWPC style forecasts and recent space-weather updates indicate extended potential across multiple nights, with the strongest periods aligning with elevated Kp indices.]
- Geographic scope: In strong events, auroras can be visible well south of the Arctic Circle, including southern states in the U.S. and southern regions in other continents, though visibility becomes less likely the farther from the night sky and the magnetic poles. Check local alerts for your area. [Space weather coverage notes wide geographic potential during major bursts.]
- Sky conditions: Clear, dark skies are essential; moonlight, light pollution, and clouds will suppress visibility. Aim for a location with an unobstructed northern horizon if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere. [General aurora watching guidance and live forecasts emphasize dark, low-light conditions.]
- How to maximize chances:
- Check a real-time or near-term aurora forecast for your specific location (look for a map or probability figure and the expected times).
- Monitor local weather for clear skies and minimize light pollution.
- Be patient and watch the northern horizon for faint green to pale pink curtains, especially during the predicted peak windows. [Aurora forecast guidance and live reporting emphasize timing, sky quality, and persistence.]
If you’d like, I can pull the latest location-specific forecasts and cloud- cover checks for your exact location tonight and give you a concise “watch window” and visibility odds.
