A powerful solar storm may illuminate the skies across 18 US states tonight as an incoming coronal mass ejection (CME) could spark geomagnetic storm conditions, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The storm is predicted to arrive between 11pm EDT on August 7 and 2am EDT on August 8, offering a brief window for aurora sightings at northern latitudes.
Space weather forecasters predict minor to moderate geomagnetic storms, with a slight chance of strong levels. This means that the best viewing opportunities will be in areas above 30°N latitude, away from light pollution. The Northern Lights may be visible from Alaska to Illinois tonight, but conditions can change rapidly.
To increase your chances of seeing the northern lights, find a north-facing vantage point with clear skies and minimal light pollution. Downloading a space weather app that provides aurora forecasts based on your location can also help. Some popular apps include “My Aurora Forecast & Alerts” and “Space Weather Live.”
Auroras are unpredictable, so it’s essential to stay alert and monitor the skies both tonight and tomorrow night. The US states where the northern lights may be visible tonight are: Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, South Dakota, Vermont, New Hampshire, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, New York, Wyoming, Iowa, Nebraska, and Illinois.
Source: https://www.space.com/stargazing/auroras/northern-lights-may-be-visible-in-these-18-states-tonight-august-7-8