Northern lights could return tonight; here’s where to look

The northern lights may repeat tonight after a severe G4 geomagnetic storm lit up North America overnight

Aurora's dipping as far south as Florida, Texas, Alabama and Georgia. Forecasters say another coronal mass ejection could arrive tonight

If it does, the glow likely shifts back north, favoring the northern tier if skies cooperate

These are not just pretty lights. G4 storms can force voltage control on power grids and scramble GPS, radio, and satellite signals

Last night's burst ranked among the strongest of solar cycle 25, at times flirting with G5

A quick note on the scale. NOAA rates geomagnetic storms G1 through G5

G4 is severe. Auroras can dip far south, then you may see GPS or radio hiccups

G5 is extreme. That's when we worry about wider grid stress and satellite drag

Where to look tonight? NOAA puts the best odds from northern New England through the Great Lakes and upper Midwest to the Pacific Northwest

That's if the new CME hits as projected. Clouds may spoil views in the northwest, New England, and upstate New York

The clearer bets? The Dakotas, northern and central Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan

How rare was it? the storm reached G4 and pushed vivid reds, greens, and purples unusually deep into the U.S.

with reports as far south as Mexico. A top-tier show for this solar cycle

Phone tips? Go dark. Get away from city lights. Dim your screen

Turn off flash. Use night mode or a long exposure. Up to about 30 seconds on many newer phones

And stabilize on a tripod or solid surface. For more unbiased updates, download the Straight Arrow News app