To spot an aurora tonight, you’ll want clear, dark skies with minimal light pollution. The best viewing times are typically after sunset through the early morning hours, with peak opportunities often around local late evening to pre- dawn. What to check tonight

• Geomagnetic activity: Look for forecasts indicating elevated activity (Kp index during the evening/night). Higher activity increases the likelihood and brightness of auroras. [NOAA space weather forecasts typically provide this, with emphasis on local time windows]
• Local conditions: Clear skies and a low horizon toward the northern direction improve visibility. If you’re in a city, move to a dark site away from artificial lights. [General aurora-viewing guidance]
• Screening for timing: The best chances often occur between roughly 9–11 p.m. local time and can extend into the early hours, depending on geomagnetic conditions. [Typical guidance from space weather outlets]

How to maximize your odds

• Find a north-facing viewing spot with a wide, unobstructed horizon (away from trees/buildings).
• Be patient and stay outside for at least 30–60 minutes; auroras can appear and fade quickly.
• Use camera exposure tricks: a tripod, longer exposure (several seconds to tens of seconds, depending on light pollution and aurora brightness), and manual focus on a distant light source.

Signposts of activity tonight

• If clouds clear and the sky darkens early, you may see a faint green glow first, potentially brightening as activity increases.
• More intense displays can show curtains, arcs, or rays across the northern sky, sometimes shifting rapidly.

If you’d like, I can tailor the timing and location suggestions to your exact city or neighborhood and check the latest forecasts for tonight.