> At a Glance
> – Aurora borealis predicted tonight in the upper US.
> – Supermoon and Quadrantids meteor shower align on Jan. 3.
> – CME from New Year’s Day powers the magnetic storm.
> – Why it matters: Tonight’s sky event combines a G2 magnetic storm, a supermoon, and a meteor shower, offering a rare multi-sky spectacle.
For sky-watchers across the upper United States, tonight promises a rare celestial convergence: a G2 magnetic storm from a New Year’s Day coronal mass ejection, a supermoon, and the peak of the Quadrantids meteor shower. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts that the aurora will appear over the northern third of the country, giving residents a front-row seat to the northern lights.
What Drives Tonight’s Aurora
The aurora is triggered when a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun collides with Earth’s magnetosphere. The CME, classified as a C6-level solar flare, was launched on New Year’s Day and is now heading straight toward our planet. When the solar plasma interacts with Earth’s magnetic field, it energizes charged particles that travel along magnetic field lines and glow as they collide with the upper atmosphere.
Where to Watch
NOAA predicts that the northern lights will be visible in the upper third of the United States, with the best views in Alaska, Washington, the northern tip of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Viewers in Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine should also see the display, while those in northern Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania may catch a glimpse if the storm strengthens.
- Alaska, Washington, northern tip of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin
- Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine
- Northern Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania (possible)
Tips for Watching
To maximize your chances, find a dark spot away from city lights, seek higher ground, and look northward. Residents near the Canadian border can view the aurora stretching further north, while those in the southern edge of the predicted area should aim for elevated positions.
- Move away from light pollution
- Find a higher elevation
- Look northward
- Check local news for storm strength updates
Other Sky Events Tonight
Tonight also hosts the peak of the Quadrantids meteor shower and a supermoon on Jan. 3, offering a rare chance to see three spectacular sky events in one night.
Key Takeaways
- G2 magnetic storm will bring aurora to northern US tonight.
- Supermoon and Quadrantids meteor shower coincide on Jan. 3.
- Viewers should seek dark, elevated spots for best experience.
For sky-watchers, tonight’s celestial alignment promises a memorable night of stargazing.
