If you didn’t get to see the stunning display of red, blue, and purple lights in the sky on Thursday, you might get another opportunity tonight.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has announced that a Strong (G3) Geomagnetic Storm Watch will be observing the skies tonight.

Shawn Dahl, the service coordinator at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, explained to YSL News, “The reason for this activity is lessening as it moves across the Earth. This is due to a coronal mass ejection—also known as CME. It’s an explosion and release of solar material and strong magnetic forces, which took place the evening of October 8 and had a strong impact yesterday morning.”

“The day has been filled with activity and severe storm levels due to the response it generated,” he added.

For those eager to witness the northern lights, it’s advisable to check the prediction center’s website for the latest updates and viewing conditions.

While tonight’s display may not be as bright as what was observed on Thursday, many areas across the country should still have a chance to enjoy this breathtaking phenomenon.

Which States Can Expect to See the Northern Lights?

As per the Aurora forecast tracker from the University of Alaska, the northern lights might be spotted near the horizon in cities such as Seattle, Des Moines, Chicago, Cleveland, and Boston from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET.

Dahl mentioned that the light show could be visible in numerous states in the northern part of the U.S.

“If we are reaching G1 levels, primarily the northern states—especially in the upper Midwest areas like North Dakota and Minnesota—will have the best view,” he indicated. “Should the activity strengthen to moderate levels, the viewing could extend farther south to the Dakotas, accompanying the usual green Auroras,”

This also presents a great photo opportunity for many spectators.

“We can expect people to capture the Red Aurora with their cameras,” he said.

Here are some states likely to have a better chance of seeing the aurora, per the University of Alaska:

• Illinois
• Iowa
• Massachusetts
• Ohio
• Washington
• Wisconsin

What Are the Northern Lights?

The northern lights, known as aurora borealis, occur when charged particles from the sun travel to Earth’s upper atmosphere at speeds reaching 45 million mph, as stated by Space.com. The Earth’s magnetic field redirects these particles towards the polar regions, creating a spectacular display of rays, spirals, and flickering lights that has captivated humanity for centuries.

Why Do We See Different Colors in the Northern Lights?

Dahl emphasizes that the colors we see depend on the air molecules in our atmosphere.

“Often, when the Aurora interacts in lower atmospheric levels, it affects specific molecules that emit green light,” he said. “Red light has been rare lately as it’s typically seen much higher up—almost twice the altitude of the green Aurora—due to the varying energy states and particles up there.”

Will We Get Another Chance to See the Northern Lights?

Good news for sky watchers! Dahl mentions that it’s very likely the northern lights will be visible again this year and for several years to come.

“There’s a strong possibility that the Aurora will form again before this year ends,” he stated. “We are still on this rollercoaster ride of solar maximum for the rest of this year, all of next year, and even into 2026.”