Auroras may be visible from Alaska to New York as incoming coronal mass ejections and high-speed solar winds could trigger geomagnetic storms tonight. (Image credit: Map: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, graphic created in Canva Pro.)

The northern lights could illuminate skies across the northern U.S. tonight (Jan. 8-9) according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC).

An incoming stream of fast solar wind from an Earth-facing coronal hole is expected to peak overnight, with speeds reaching up to 700 km/s — more than double the usual background level. Space weather forecasters are also monitoring several incoming coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that could deliver glancing blows to Earth. Together, these enhanced wind speeds and potential CME impacts could push geomagnetic conditions to minor (G1) storm levels tonight.

Where can I see the northern lights tonight?

Possible aurora view line for tonight courtesy of NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. (Image credit: Map: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, graphic created in Canva Pro.)

States that could see auroras tonight

Based on the latest NOAA aurora forecast map, the following 12 U.S. states appear fully or partially above the aurora view line:

1. Alaska
2. North Dakota
3. Minnesota
4. Maine
5. Wisconsin
6. Michigan
7. South Dakota
8. Idaho
9. New Hampshire
10. Vermont
11. Washington
12. New York

But remember, auroras can be very fickle. The list is based on current forecast data at the time of publication, but if conditions strengthen, northern lights could reach much farther south than expected.

Equally, if conditions don't align, we could end up twiddling our thumbs, with no auroras at all.

Northern Hemisphere aurora forecast courtesy of the U.K. Met Office

What time should I look for the northern lights tonight?

The northern lights could be visible across 12 U.S. states tonight (Jan. 8-9). It's worth keeping an eye on the sky (and your aurora alerts) throughout the evening, especially in areas with clear, dark skies.