The best of the season to observe the northern lights from 19 states tonight.

Something’s happening tonight in the sky that’s worth taking a look at outside. This solar eruption is aimed at Earth and could bring a sighting of the northern lights far down in the northern United States overnight June 29 and into the early hours of June 30.

The timing, that’s what makes tonight a little extra special. On the same night the full moon has just risen. Even though the light of the moon can obscure a weak aurora, when it is strong, you may have the chance to experience both phenomenon wandering northern lights with the bright full moon behind them. To have these two things together is rare.

What’s the root of the source?

The northern lights occur when energized particles coming from the sun collide with gases in the atmosphere. This produces the familiar ‘waves’ of green, purple and pink light that billow over the night sky.
The event was caused by a large cloud of solar plasma which ejected from the sun on Friday, June 26. The aurora at lower latitudes than normal is produced by a geomagnetic storm caused by that material when it hits Earth’s magnetic field.
It is forecast that tonight will be somewhere between a minor and moderate level geomagnetic storm. It is not a huge event but for many people in the right place it should be visible as a glow on the northern horizon.

Which states have the best chance?

The best viewing opportunities are in states that are nearest the Canadian border:
Your best bets tonight are Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Maine.
If the storm becomes slightly more intense, individuals in Oregon, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire might glimpse a ningent flash on the northern horizon. That’s up to 19 states that have at least a possibility.
The more southerly you are the less likely you’ll see anything; however, if you’re curious, it’s always worth a shot.

When is the Right Time to Go Out?

Once the sky becomes completely dark in your location, begin looking for the sky. The optimum window is likely to be late on June 29 and the early morning of June 30.
One thing to note, these predictions are very hard to more or less get right. Solar material solar may arrive early or late. But, if it doesn’t do it the proper way in regards to Earth’s magnetic field, no aurora may appear. It’s one of those nature things!
When the sunspots approach close enough to be spotted by satellites, space weather forecasters can provide a much more precise estimate sometimes within 30 to 60 minutes before the show begins. But if you’re determined to catch it, then keep checking!

Great Polar Bear Plunge

Avoid putting yourselves in the light of the city as much as possible. A 20-30-minute drive out of town can be a big difference. You need a much broader horizon line of the northern portion of the sky, a flat terrain, a hilltop, an empty parking lot away from street lights or anything else that will provide a broader vision of the possible line of sight to the horizon line.
Wait for at least 20 minutes before giving up and saying that nothing is going on. The biggest enemy is your phone screen, which ruins your night vision each time you peer at it. When checking something on your cell phone keep the brightest setting as low as possible.
Turn northwards. The aurora typically manifests itself as a faint greenish light just above the horizon like light pollution from a distant city. With favorable conditions, it can build up to large color bands or even curtains.

Have Foresight To Photograph It?

Not a fancy camera is needed. No doubt a modern smartphone can be used to take pictures of the northern lights, with night mode switched on.
The important thing is that the phone does not move while it is exposed. Propped against some solid structure or a small tripod (if available). Even put in the top of your car works. Or shoot in ‘Night Mode’ or ‘Manual Mode’, and allow the camera to work as intended. Avoid gripping it in the hand this will result in blurr.
For the extra effort, you can actually turn off nearby lights, and do not make the moon shine into your shot.

Here’s One More Thing About the Full Moon

The Strawberry Moon, which is full that same night, is indeed a sight for beauty in part, but it’s some competition. When the entire sky appears bright from moonlight, weak auroras are not easily visible to the human eye.
During moderate levels of the storm tonight, the aurora should be able to overcome the effects of the Moon. However, if it doesn’t want to cooperate, you may only get to see it on film.
Either way it’s a good night to be out.

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Get away from city and town lights. Head north up to an open horizon. Allow 20 minutes for the eyes to get used to it. Do not set the brightness of your phone too high. Be patient it may take time to show and/or may be fleeting when it does.
If it is cloudy where you are at night, don’t despair. Conditions may be good into the morning on June 30, with another window possible, depending on where you live.