The Northern Lights Are Putting on a Dazzling Show Tonight, Here's How To Watch It
Catching a viewing of the spectacular Northern Lights is on most people's bucket lists-and you may just be able to check it off the list tonight. Here's the exciting part: a powerful solar flare erupted from the sun on May 10, unleashing an enormous coronal mass ejection (CME) that's heading our way. According to Space.com, this cosmic event is ramping up the chances of a magic light show in the sky from late May 12 straight into the early morning hours of May 13 for us Earthlings.
So what's actually happening up there? Space weather experts from NOAA and the UK Met Office are tracking a massive surge of solar material hurtling toward Earth. They predict part of it could reach us around May 13, potentially triggering a weak geomagnetic storm.
Sounds scary, but here's the silver lining: these storms are what create those jaw-dropping aurora displays visible to the naked eye. When charged particles from the sun collide with Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere, they paint the sky in those mesmerizing greens, purples, and blues that make the Northern Lights so unforgettable.
When will the Northern Lights be visible tonight?
Forecasters say your best chance of catching the Northern Lights will likely be late on May 12, stretching into the early morning hours of May 13 during the darkest hours before dawn-if the weather conditions cooperate.
Set an alarm if you need to; missing this window means waiting for the next opportunity, which could be a while.
Where will the Northern Lights be visible tonight?
The Northern Lights may be visible across parts of Alaska, Canada, the northern United States (think northern Michigan or Maine), and the northern UK. As with any celestial viewing, head to a rural area or find a spot with a clear view of the northern sky. The darker your location, the better your chances of actually seeing something spectacular.
How to catch the Northern Lights tonight
Check NOAA's 30-minute aurora forecast for real-time updates on where the auroras are most active and what weather conditions might be affecting visibility in your area. Pair that with a space weather app that tracks solar wind and magnetic field activity, and you'll have the best information for timing your viewing. Bundle up, grab a blanket or chair, and get comfortable-sometimes these things take patience.
And if you're one of the lucky ones who can head to one of these spots, be sure to have your phone camera in Night Mode for the right exposure and to capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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This story was originally published May 12, 2026 at 11:53 AM.