I can help with general guidance on where the northern lights are likely tonight, but I don’t have real-time data right now. Here are practical steps and typical patterns to maximize your chances. Direct answer

• Tonight, the best chances to see the aurora are in high-latitude regions during dark, clear skies. In practice, that means northern parts of the U.S. states with strong aurora activity or Canada, Alaska, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and other Arctic regions. If you’re in the continental U.S., chances are best in northern states (e.g., Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula) when solar activity is elevated and skies are dark and clear. Closer to the Arctic Circle, visibility is more reliable.

How to check right now

• Use an up-to-date aurora forecast tool or app that shows KP index, local cloud cover, and magnetic activity for your exact location.
  • Look for KP index values of 5 or higher (storm conditions) or 3–4 (moderate activity) as a cue that auroras may be visible under dark skies.
  • Check local cloud cover forecasts to ensure a clear sky window.
• Identify local viewing spots away from city lights with an unobstructed northern horizon.

Tips to improve your chances

• Go late at night, typically after astronomical twilight ends and before dawn, when the aurora is most likely to appear.
• Stay outside for at least 1–2 hours, as displays can be intermittent.
• Dress warmly and bring something to sit on; even a short outing can feel long in cold conditions.
• Photograph with long exposure if you’re equipped; a tripod helps a lot.

If you’d like, tell me your city or nearest town and I’ll tailor a concise tonight-focused plan (likely viewing window, best hours, and what to watch for) using the latest typical patterns.