Upcoming Chance To See The Northern Lights In North Dakota

A geomagnetic storm will give North Dakota a moderate chance to see the Northern Lights tonight as we head into the weekend.

This is according to NOAA and the National Weather Service. It had been a very long time since I was lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights, or the Auroras, as they are officially known, that's until my son and I saw them at our lake cabin in South Dakota last summer.

To be honest, our photos weren't all that spectacular compared to others you frequently see on social media, but it was my son's first time ever seeing them, so that was kind of special.

I'm pretty sure it's been close to 10 years or more since I was lucky enough to see the Northern Lights, prior to last summer.

North Dakota is expected to have a chance to see the Aurora Borealis TONIGHT, Friday, May 30th, after dark.

In fact, the entire state is expected to be able to catch a glimpse of this spectacle in the sky. Just take a look above at this map from NOAA and the National Weather Service. The viewing line will extend down all the way into South Dakota.

You will want to look to the northern part of the sky, and it's always helpful to get outside of the city lights.

The lights could really put on a show tonight, that's if we get a little cooperation from the Canadian wildfire smoke. We also have a very slight chance of a thunderstorm after dark, too.

The Northern Lights, or their scientific name, "Aurora Borealis," is a special treat we occasionally get to witness in North Dakota.

Have you ever wondered how this visual spectacle all comes together?  According to Northern Lights Centre, "they are the result of collisions between gaseous particles in the Earth's atmosphere with charged particles released from the sun's atmosphere."

What about the different spectacular colors we get to enjoy?  That is due to the type of gas particles that are colliding.

We are getting into a lot of science talk that obviously I should've been paying more attention to back in school.  No matter how it happens, I sure do love it when it does.

As far as the best time to view the Northern Lights in North Dakota tonight, you shouldn't have to wait long after dark.

Again, that is if the clouds cooperate. According to our staff meteorologists from Severe Weather Studios, you should look for the Aurora Borealis between 10 pm and Midnight tonight. As always, if you can get out away from the city, you should have better luck seeing the Northern Lights.