To see the Northern Lights tonight, check optimistic viewing conditions and head to dark, high-latitude locations away from city lights. Here are practical steps to maximize your chances and likely places to look this evening. What to expect tonight

• Strong solar activity and geomagnetic storms can push auroras farther from the poles and brighten them, making sightings possible in more southerly regions. Look for possible displays after dusk and into the late night, especially during clear, dark skies.

• The best viewing typically occurs between local sunset and around midnight, during periods of elevated geomagnetic activity. Keep an eye on forecast updates for tonight as conditions can shift.

Where to look tonight

• Best general strategy: find dark, open skies with an unobstructed view toward the northern horizon. If possible, travel to locations with low light pollution and high northern latitude or magnetic-pole-proximate vantage points.

• In the United States, high-latitude states in the north and inland areas have been reported to see auroras during strong solar activity; some displays were visible as far south as Florida during recent events. Plan for a northward view, but be prepared for surprises.

• In Europe/Nordic regions, areas in northern Norway, Sweden (Lapland), and northern Finland are classic targets when auroras are forecast or when skies are clear, especially during late evening hours. If you’re in those areas, monitor local forecasts for tonight.

• For real-time guidance, consider checking live aurora maps or local space weather forecasts that provide current KP index and cloud cover. These can indicate when and where the aurora is likely to be visible tonight.

How to maximize your chances

• Check local weather for a clear night and restrict light pollution by choosing a location away from city lights.
• Dress warmly and bring a chair or blanket; aurora viewing can take time and may require patience in cold conditions.
• Bring a camera with manual settings to capture faint auroras; start with a long exposure (5–20 seconds, depending on sky brightness) and a high ISO (800–3200) with a wide-angle lens to include more sky. [spaceweather guidance from NOAA/NWS style thinking; adapt to your gear]
• Stay updated on forecasts for tonight’s window of highest activity and watch for changes in cloud cover as auroral intensity can occur quickly.

If you’d like, tell me your location and approximate elevation, and I can tailor a tonight-specific viewing plan (best towns or dark-sky sites nearby, weather check list, and timing).