Northern lights may be visible tonight in several states

The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, may be visible in several northern states tonight. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says places like northern Michigan, Maine, and parts of Alaska are expected to have great views. Recently, Alaska experienced a stunning light show with vibrant green colors. Social media users shared videos and images of this breathtaking spectacle. One user described driving five hours to witness the aurora, highlighting the effort and reward of seeing the lights. For those wanting to catch the display tonight, the best time to look is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. It's important to find a dark area away from city lights for the best experience. The forecast indicates an increase in activity, rated as a Kp index of three out of nine, suggesting a beautiful light show ahead. However, auroral activity may start to decrease in the following days. The lights are caused by particles from the sun interacting with the Earth's atmosphere, often displaying colors like green, lavender, and pink. Currently, the Earth is experiencing a minor G1 geomagnetic storm. This type of storm can cause minor fluctuations in power grids and may affect satellite operations. Fortunately, no significant impacts have been reported so far. This activity is linked to the sun's "solar maximum" phase, which is a time of heightened activity. Last year, a strong geomagnetic storm produced one of the most impressive auroras seen in decades. The northern lights continue to captivate skywatchers across the region.