Aurora Likely Visible Early Tuesday Morning for the Northern U.S.

news image
Special Stories
19 Sep 2023 2:25 AM

An aurora could be visible tonight for the northern tier of the United States as a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) event peaks solar radiation! The best time to view the aurora will be 4 - 7 AM Central Time, but the earlier the better due to the dark conditions. Overnight will be a new moon so very little moonlight will detract from the aurora visibility.

According to the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the aurora will be visible through Tuesday morning from "Helena [MT to] Minneapolis [MN to] Milwaukee [WI to] Bay City, Toronto [Canada to] Montpelier [Vermont]" The aurora may even be visible along the horizon for Boise, ID, Lincoln, NE, Indianapolis, IN and Annapolis, MD!

The reason for the aurora is from a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) that is expected on Tuesday. The "K-index" is used to "characterize the magnitude of geomagnetic storms" according to NOAA. Tuesday's K-index will be on the order of mid-levels. According to NOAA, "Kp is an excellent indicator of disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field and is used by [space weather prediction center] to decide whether geomagnetic alerts and warnings need to be issued for users who are affected by these disturbances".

For more on geomagnetic storms and potential impacts for the U.S., watch Meteorologist Alana Camera as she heads inside the Space Weather Prediction Center located in Boulder, CO!

All Weather News
More
Rounds of Severe Storms to Impact Great Plains and Midwest Through the Weekend

Rounds of Severe Storms to Impact Great Plains and Midwest Through the Weekend

A dynamic summer weather pattern is setting t

11 Jul 2025 3:20 AM
Storms Return From the Front Range to Texas

Storms Return From the Front Range to Texas

Moisture is moving back into the Central and

11 Jul 2025 3:00 AM
Medium Range Tropics Forecast Favors Gulf, CSU Updates Seasonal Forecast

Medium Range Tropics Forecast Favors Gulf, CSU Updates Seasonal Forecast

While the Atlantic appears quiet, conditions

11 Jul 2025 2:40 AM
Severe Thunderstorms Expected Across the East Coast

Severe Thunderstorms Expected Across the East Coast

The severe weather and flood threat continues

11 Jul 2025 2:35 AM
Timeline: How Catastrophic Flooding Unfolded in Texas Hill Country

Timeline: How Catastrophic Flooding Unfolded in Texas Hill Country

TEXAS - Catastrophic flooding devastated port

10 Jul 2025 10:00 AM
Ruidoso Flash Flooding - Record Crest for the Rio Ruidoso River

Ruidoso Flash Flooding - Record Crest for the Rio Ruidoso River

A slow-moving monsoonal thunderstorm develope

10 Jul 2025 1:55 AM
Dangerous Heat Building Out West

Dangerous Heat Building Out West

WEST - Heat alerts have been issued across th

9 Jul 2025 9:00 AM