Northern Lights Expected to Dazzle U.S. Skies Tonight — Visible as Far South as Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — A powerful geomagnetic storm sweeping across the planet tonight is set to deliver one of the most widespread northern lights displays seen in years — and even parts of the southern United States may catch a glimpse.
Meteorologists say the aurora borealis could be visible as far south as northern Oklahoma, with the best viewing window stretching from late Thursday night into early Friday morning.
Aurora Visibility Expands Southward
According to space weather forecasters, the intense solar storm activity currently underway will push colorful auroras well beyond their usual northern range.
A visibility map shared by experts shows that:
- Residents in northern states could see the lights directly overhead,
- Those in central U.S. regions may spot them on the horizon,
- And southern states — including parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Tennessee — might capture the display on camera using night mode.
Experts recommend heading outside away from city lights and facing the northern horizon for the best chance to see the display. “The farther north you are, the better your odds,” meteorologists advised.
Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights
If weather conditions remain clear and skies are free of clouds, people in several U.S. states could see faint streaks of green or purple light. Viewers are urged to:
- Find a dark, open location away from light pollution.
- Avoid using bright phone screens or flashlights while stargazing.
- Use night mode or long exposure settings on smartphones or cameras to capture the faint colors more vividly.
Why This Storm Is Significant
The dazzling display is caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with Earth’s atmosphere. When solar activity intensifies, these particles are pushed farther south, producing rare light shows in areas that don’t typically see them.
This week’s storm marks one of the strongest geomagnetic events of the season, according to scientists monitoring solar weather activity.
Residents across the Midwest and South are encouraged to check local cloud forecasts to determine the best viewing conditions in their area.
Have you ever seen the northern lights before? Share your photos and stories with us and stay tuned for more skywatching updates at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
