Northern Lights Could Be Visible in 19 States Tonight

A geomagnetic storm watch is in effect for tonight and tomorrow night, giving millions of Americans a rare chance to see the northern lights much farther south than usual.

NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a geomagnetic storm watch for March 18 and 19, with moderate to strong G2 to G3 class storm conditions possible. The aurora borealis could be visible as far south as New York, Wisconsin, and Washington state, with up to 19 states potentially in the viewing zone.

The best time to view is between 10 pm and 2 am local time, when geomagnetic activity typically peaks.