5 things you need to know about the northern lights exploding across the US tonight
- A powerful solar storm is hitting Earth right now, pushing the aurora borealis as far south as Alabama and Northern California—a rare treat for skywatchers who usually miss out.
- The best viewing window is between 10 PM and 2 AM local time, so set your alarm and find a spot away from city lights for the clearest, most colorful shows.
- This isn't a gentle green glow; experts warn the solar flare could trigger visible red, purple, and even pink ribbons dancing across the sky, making for Instagram-worthy photos.
- Check your phone's weather app for cloud cover—if it's clear, grab a chair, a warm blanket, and some patience; the lights can appear suddenly and vanish just as fast.
- Avoid looking at the sun during the day, as this same solar activity can disrupt GPS and radio signals, but tonight's show is totally safe for your eyes and camera lenses.