There's a Rare Chance to See the Northern Lights Tonight — Here's How to Watch

Tonight's gonna be lit!

There's a chance the northern lights will be visible from several locations across the United States on Wednesday, Feb. 19, producing a display of vibrant colors in the night sky.

Auroras result from geomagnetic storms when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere. Visibility of the northern lights depends on various factors, including intensity and location.

Geomagnetic activity is indicated by the planetary K index or Kp which ranges from 0 to 9. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Space Weather Prediction Center, tonight's aurora forecast is a 3 on the scale.

When the Kp falls between 3 and 5, the aurora "will move further from the poles," per the space center. "It will become brighter and there will be more auroral activity," including its motion and formations in the sky.

Plus, if skywatchers are observing from the right place on Earth, NOAA assures the northern lights "can be quite pleasing to look at" when the conditions align. Of course, weather is a large factor that may positively or negatively impact visibility.

Read on for where and when to watch the northern lights tonight!

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When will the northern lights be visible?

The northern lights are forecast to be visible on Wednesday, Feb. 19 from various parts of the United States. Check in with NOAA's Space Weather Conditions for the most up-to-date forecasts.

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Where will the northern lights be visible?

Northern lights may be visible in several states in the Northern Hemisphere. Although chances are lower compared to forecasts in the past, the auroras have the potential to be visible in northern Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota and northern Michigan.

How to watch the northern lights?

Northern lights aren't visible in the daylight, so night viewing is the only chance to spot them. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the best time to catch a glimpse is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.

"These hours of active aurora expand towards evening and morning as the level of geomagnetic activity increases," per NOAA. "There may be aurora in the evening and morning but it is usually not as active; and therefore, not as visually appealing."

Visibility, meanwhile, is largely dependent upon weather conditions since clear skies are always preferred for the best sight. Manifest zero rain, fog or clouds in the forecast that will hinder viewing.

Also, avoid light pollution when choosing a location to watch the auroras from Earth. Pick a dark viewing area away from city lights that will drown out the colorful display in the night sky.

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How to take photos of the northern lights?

Several smartphones have an high-tech capability to take photos of the northern lights on camera so you can remember the phenomenon forever! Simply toggle camera settings in your phone to "Night Mode."

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