Get ready for an enchanting night in the skies! Those who love natural wonders have been treated well this year, with the mesmerizing Northern Lights gracing the skies over the US on numerous occasions. Tonight, Wednesday evening, offers a rare opportunity to witness the breathtaking aurora borealis once again, although its visibility will be limited to the northernmost states.

This beautiful spectacle is made possible by a G1-level geomagnetic storm that has just begun to impact our planet. According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, such geomagnetic storms are caused by coronal mass ejections (CMEs)—massive bursts of solar wind and magnetic fields rising off the sun that can create spectacular light shows when they collide with the Earth’s magnetosphere. Tonight's aurora is linked to what NOAA describes as a "glancing blow," meaning this CME is only passing closely by Earth, yet still offers the chance for a fantastic display.

What makes tonight particularly exciting is part of the larger increase in geomagnetic activity due to the sun entering its 11-year solar cycle peak phase in 2024, expected to last into 2025. This means not only more opportunities to see the Northern Lights in the coming year, but also possible disruptions like power outages, although G1 storms typically pose little risk.

Reflecting on earlier events, May brought a spectacular G5-level storm that allowed observers to see the aurora borealis as far south as Texas for nearly a week! While tonight's event may not reach those extremes, those in the northern states should still be treated to a captivating show.

Where and When to Look:

So, where can you catch this stunning display? Tonight’s aurora will likely be visible in states that border Canada, including South Dakota, Wisconsin, and much of Minnesota. Although forecasts are subject to change, there is a possibility the aurora could stretch its vibrant arms further south if the storm's intensity increases.

Be sure to keep an eye on the sky! The most dazzling displays could continue into Thursday and Friday as the geomagnetic storm persists.

Don't let this rare chance slip away—grab a cozy blanket, head outside, and see if you can catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights lighting up the night sky!