Residents across the Midwest, including Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota, may get a rare chance to see the northern lights tonight. A strong solar storm hitting Earth this afternoon could create the perfect conditions for a sky show just as the Labor Day weekend comes to a close.
What’s Causing Tonight’s Aurora Display?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed that a coronal mass ejection (CME) struck Earth’s magnetic field around 5 p.m. EDT on Monday. The CME had been tracked from the L1 orbital point, about 1 million miles away, and is now triggering G2 to G3 geomagnetic storm watches.
These types of storms are powerful enough to push the aurora borealis far south of its usual range—possibly into much of the central U.S., including large parts of the Midwest.
When and Where to Look for the Northern Lights
To increase your chances of seeing the aurora tonight, follow these tips:
Time: Start watching after sunset and keep checking throughout the overnight hours.
Location: Choose a dark, rural area with minimal light pollution. Stay away from city lights and get to higher ground if possible.
Direction: Look north, where aurora activity is most likely to appear.
Clear skies are forecast in some parts of the Midwest, improving the odds for a successful viewing experience.
What Makes This Event Special?
While northern lights are usually seen in places like Canada or Alaska, this storm could make them visible across the lower Midwest, which is very uncommon. Seeing them in states like Missouri or Indiana doesn’t happen often, and that’s why this event has generated so much buzz.
NOAA scientists noted that the intensity of the aurora depends on the direction of the embedded magnetic field within the CME. If it turns southward, we could see brighter, more widespread auroras throughout the region.
Could There Be Any Disruptions?
Though the focus is on the skies, NOAA did mention some minor potential impacts:
Brief GPS or satellite glitches
Minor communication disruptions
However, these are expected to be limited, and most people won’t notice any changes in their everyday devices.
Stay Updated for Real-Time Conditions
Aurora activity can change quickly based on solar and weather patterns. For live tracking, forecasts, and updated alerts, visit:
This is the best place to get reliable updates on whether the aurora is likely to appear over your area tonight.
Whether you’re in Springfield, St. Louis, Indianapolis, or Minneapolis, tonight might be your chance to catch a rare and stunning light show. With the solar storm hitting Earth and skies expected to clear in parts of the Midwest, Labor Day 2025 could end with glowing ribbons of light dancing across the sky. So find a dark spot, look north, and get ready for a possible Midwest aurora surprise.
