The northern lights may be visible across parts of 20 US states on Tuesday night, according to Forbes. The forecast follows a series of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) expected to reach Earth on September 8 and 9, as reported by The Watchers.
Forbes notes that the aurora could extend further south than usual, giving skywatchers in a wide band of the country a chance to see the display. Local outlets have also flagged the possibility: KING5.com reports that parts of the US may have viewing opportunities, while the St. Cloud Times says Minnesota has a chance to see the lights tonight. WMTV 15 News adds that the aurora could be visible this week, depending on conditions.
The Watchers, which tracks space weather events, states that multiple CMEs are forecast to impact Earth on September 8 and 9, and a G1 geomagnetic storm watch has been issued. A G1 storm is considered minor on the space weather scale, but it can still push the aurora to lower latitudes than normal.
For observers, the best chances typically come after dark in areas with clear skies and little light pollution. Forbes advises that viewing conditions will vary by location, and the exact reach of the aurora depends on the strength of the geomagnetic activity as it arrives.
What to watch next: skywatchers should monitor local forecasts and space weather updates, as the timing and intensity of the CME impacts could shift the aurora's visibility over the next two nights.
