The northern lights are visible during a several second exposure from Ellsworth Park in Milwaukee on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024.

The northern lights are expected to illuminate the night skies in nearly two dozen states across the U.S., as a powerful solar storm approaches Earth starting Tuesday, Nov. 11.

The most recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration aurora forecast map shows that at least 21 states could see the aurora, and the view could last into early Wednesday, Nov. 12. According to NOAA, the northern lights are usually most visible from 6 p.m.-6 a.m. Central Time.

Formally known as the aurora borealis, the colorful night skies are caused by the interaction between Earth’s magnetic field and the sun’s plasma, according to the National Weather Service.

NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center's view line shows these states may catch a glimpse of the phenomenon.

Which states may see the northern lights tonight?

The northern lights should be visible in the following U.S. states starting on Tuesday night, Nov. 11, through early Wednesday, Nov. 12.

  • Alaska
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • New Hampshire
  • New York
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Dakota
  • Vermont
  • Wyoming
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Northern lights could brighten the night skies in these 21 states tonight

Reporting by Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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