**Northern Lights Predicted to Dazzle Select U.S. States Tonight**

The enchanting Northern Lights are anticipated to be visible across several states in the continental U.S. tonight, thanks to recent powerful solar flares unleashing aurora-generating geomagnetic storms. According to NOAA forecasts, while it's challenging to pinpoint exact locations, Canada and Alaska may offer the clearest views of the aurora borealis this evening.

Within the U.S., the lucky states potentially falling within the aurora's viewing range include Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The Northern Lights are typically most vibrant between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., so enthusiasts should prepare accordingly.

For those eager to catch this spectacular display, NOAA recommends traveling as close to the poles as possible, steering clear of light pollution, keeping an eye on weather forecasts for optimal conditions, and finding elevated vantage points. Interestingly, even if the lights are not visible to the naked eye, modern smartphone cameras may still capture the phenomenon, especially when night mode is enabled.

The current Solar Cycle 25, which began in December 2019, is driving these geomagnetic storms, leading to recent Northern Lights sightings. NASA anticipates the cycle will peak between late 2024 and early 2026, with a projected peak of 115 sunspots. Although we haven't reached this maximum yet, solar activity has already been more intense than expected, suggesting more geomagnetic storms could occur in the coming years.

In August, there were 215.5 daily sunspots reported, the highest monthly count since Solar Cycle 23 recorded an average of 238.2 sunspots back in 2003. This surge in sunspots underscores the current heightened solar activity and its impact on aurora visibility.