Top 5 things you need to know about the northern lights tonight
- A massive geomagnetic storm is hitting Earth tonight, making the aurora borealis visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California.
- For the best view, find a spot away from city lights with a clear northern horizon, ideally between 10 PM and 2 AM local time.
- Check the KP index in real time on local weather apps or space weather sites—a KP of 5 or higher means you'll likely see them.
- Smartphone cameras with night mode can capture the lights even when they're faint to the naked eye.
- If you live in a cloudy area tonight, don't worry—another strong storm is predicted for tomorrow, so the northern lights may return.