Northern lights could brighten the night skies in these 20 states tonight

The northern lights are expected to illuminate the night skies in nearly two dozen states across the U.S., as a powerful solar storm approaches Earth starting Tuesday, Nov. 11.

The most recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration aurora forecast map shows that at least 21 states could see the aurora, and the view could last into early Wednesday, Nov. 12. According to NOAA, the northern lights are usually most visible from 6 p.m.-6 a.m. Central Time.

Formally known as the aurora borealis, the colorful night skies are caused by the interaction between Earth’s magnetic field and the sun’s plasma, according to the National Weather Service.

NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center's view line shows these states may catch a glimpse of the phenomenon.

Which states may see the northern lights tonight?

The northern lights should be visible in the following U.S. states starting on Tuesday night, Nov. 11, through early Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Alaska
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Montana
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New York
North Dakota
Ohio
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
Vermont
Wyoming
Washington
Wisconsin