The northern lights could become visible across parts of 11 states in the northern U.S. overnight on Monday, Sept. 7, through Tuesday, Sept. 8, as several coronal mass ejections approach Earth, potentially producing G1 geomagnetic storm conditions.

The heightened space weather forecast follows an active week on the sun that included three M-class solar flares, numerous weaker eruptions and several CMEs.

Multiple CMEs Could Reach Earth

The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center said geomagnetic field activity is expected to reach active to G1 storm levels on September 7-8 because of anticipated CME arrivals.

One CME from Sept. 2 was initially expected to pass mostly ahead of Earth’s orbit, although forecasters now think it may reach Earth on Sept. 7. Another eruption on Sept. 4 could interact with an earlier CME and deliver a glancing impact late Sept. 7 or early Sept. 8.

More eruptions on Sept. 5 have complicated the space weather picture even further, with a NOAA model showing that three CMEs could merge as they arrive at Earth on Sept. 8. Another CME from Sept. 6 could reach Earth late Sept. 8 or early Sept. 9.

Northern Lights Alert For Tonight

According to a forecast by space weather experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a G1-class geomagnetic storm conditions could develop overnight on Monday, Sept. 7, through Tuesday, Sept. 8 — most likely early on Tuesday.

“G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storming conditions are expected on 08 Sep with the anticipated arrival of several CMEs from 02 and 05 Sep embedded in a high-speed stream,” states NOAA, referring to a faster stream of solar wind flowing from a coronal hole.

Northern Lights Forecast For The U.S.

If G1 geomagnetic storm conditions develop, the aurora could become visible from dark locations across northern-tier U.S. states near the Canadian border. States in pole position include Alaska and parts of North Dakota, Maine, Minnesota, Vermont, Montana, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin and Michigan, provided skies remain clear.

Aurora-chasing website Cosmik has live odds for all states and 552 cities in 10 languages, updated from NOAA’s data, so you can check whether your location may see aurora tonight.

Aurora Alert: Latest Updates

To check visibility in real time, use NOAA’s 30-minute aurora forecast or download apps such as Aurora Now, My Aurora Forecast or Glendale Aurora for up-to-the-minute alerts and live solar wind data.

Whether an aurora display materializes depends partly on the interplanetary magnetic field, particularly its north-south component, known as Bz. When Bz turns southward, the solar wind can transfer energy into Earth’s magnetic environment more efficiently, increasing the chances of geomagnetic activity and brighter auroras. The longer and more strongly Bz remains southward, the better the prospects, although solar wind speed and other factors also play an important role. You’ll find Bz data in some of the above apps and on SpaceWeatherLive.com .

How To Photograph The Northern Lights

If auroras do appear, they can sometimes be much more obvious to a camera than to the naked eye. Even faint auroras that appear grey to the eye can show vivid greens, reds or purples in photographs. How to photograph the northern lights with a phone :

  • Use a tripod or stable surface to avoid blur, and enable Night Mode or Pro Mode if available.
  • Exposure times of five to ten seconds are typically effective.
  • Shooting in RAW format, if possible, allows for better editing later.

More Geomagnetic Activity Expected This Week

According to the UK’s Met Office, geomagnetic activity could become stronger Tuesday night into Wednesday. “The greatest chance of significant activity is on Day 3 (09 Sep) resulting from expected CME arrival(s) but could come later on Day 2 (08 Sep),” reads a forecast . “G1 (Kp5)/Minor to G2 (Kp6)/Moderate geomagnetic storming is likely, with a slight chance of peak G3 (Kp7)/Strong activity being realised.”

NOAA also expects active geomagnetic conditions around Sept. 14-16 as the sun rotates and a negative-polarity coronal hole high-speed stream faces Earth. Something similar is also expected for around September 24-27.

Why Auroras Can Peak In September

September is one of the most favorable times of year for aurora activity. Around the equinoxes — the September equinox occurs on Sept. 22 — the orientation of Earth’s magnetic field makes it more likely to interact effectively with the magnetic field carried by the solar wind. Known as the Russell–McPherron effect, this seasonal phenomenon makes it easier for energy from the solar wind to enter Earth’s magnetic environment, increasing the chances of geomagnetic activity and aurora displays. As a result, auroras are statistically more common around the equinoxes.

Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.