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Catch the Northern Lights: 10 States in View Tonight!

12/24/2025

Summary

Story summary

The northern lights may be visible across ten U.S. states tonight, December 22, due to solar activity.
Best viewing times are between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. local time.
Viewing zone includes Alaska, Washington, North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Maine, Michigan, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Idaho.
The phenomenon could continue through December 24, offering multiple opportunities for skywatchers.
Viewers should seek a dark location with a clear northern horizon and let eyes adjust.

History

Historical Context

The Carrington Event, occurring on September 1-2, 1859, was the most intense geomagnetic storm recorded, resulting from a coronal mass ejection. This event caused spectacular auroras visible as far south as Hawaii and sparked fires in telegraph stations. In response, the U.S. established the Weather Bureau in 1870 to monitor solar activity, highlighting the ongoing significance of solar phenomena in understanding Earth's atmospheric interactions.

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Story summary

The northern lights may be visible across ten U.S. states tonight, December 22, due to solar activity.
Best viewing times are between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. local time.
Viewing zone includes Alaska, Washington, North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Maine, Michigan, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Idaho.
The phenomenon could continue through December 24, offering multiple opportunities for skywatchers.
Viewers should seek a dark location with a clear northern horizon and let eyes adjust.

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