Around 10 states could see the northern lights on Oct. 28

Multiple states could have a chance to see the northern lights this week.

The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, may be visible in as many as 10 northern states between Tuesday night, Oct. 28, and Wednesday night, Oct. 29, according to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). Most of Canada will also have a chance to see the lights.

Alaska has the highest likelihood of seeing the spectacular phenomena of all the American states, but several states in the contiguous U.S., closest to the American-Canadian border, could see the northern lights illuminate the night sky, though the chances are low.

Like Alaska, most of Canada has a high likelihood of seeing the northern lights.

When could the northern lights be visible?

The northern lights could be visible in certain states on Tuesday night, Oct. 28, and Wednesday night, Oct. 29, according to SPWC.

Which states could see the northern lights?

The map below identifies where the aurora could be visible.

Areas under a red shading have a higher chance of seeing northern lights, while areas under a green shading have a lower chance. The NOAA says the red "view line" marks the southernmost extent where aurora might be seen on the northern horizon.

The following states are within the view line and have a chance at seeing the northern lights:

  • Alaska
  • Washington
  • Idaho
  • Montana
  • North Dakota
  • South Dakota
  • Minnesota
  • Wisconsin
  • Michigan
  • Maine

Of the states listed, Northern Alaska has a high chance of seeing the northern lights. Within the contiguous U.S., areas of Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota have the highest chance of seeing the northern lights, though the likelihood is still low.

Julia is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers scientific studies and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Northern lights could be visible in these US states. See where.

Reporting by Julia Gomez, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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