What time can I see the northern lights in Illinois?

Go as far north as possible. It is more likely you will see the northern lights the farther north you go. The lights are “really most brilliant and exciting to look at within an hour or two of midnight,” Viereck said. Be ready to stay up from at least 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. in pursuit of the lights.

Where can I see the northern lights in Illinois?

The best location to see the Lights will be at the Illinois-Wisconsin border after 9 p.m. People may be able see the spectacle Thursday night, but the National Weather Service said clouds could prevent a clear sighting.

Will the northern lights be visible in Illinois?

Due to a powerful solar storm, residents of Illinois may be treated to a natural light show in the sky, although they might only be visible in the northern parts of the state. Northern lights are a more common occurrence in the Arctic Circle.

Where can I see the northern lights in Chicago?

Try gazing north and away from the shimmering Chicago skyline. It’s also worth noting that the northern lights can take on many different shapes and colors—not just the classic green and purple wisps you see in photos. “The lights can flicker, show movement, or appear to be still,” Ellet says.

What time will northern lights be visible?

The Northern Lights most commonly appear between 17:00 and 02:00. They don’t usually exhibit for long – they may only show for a few minutes, then glide away before returning.

Where will the northern lights be visible?

Where is the best place to see the northern lights? The northern lights occur within a geographic area referred to as the aurora zone. It encompasses latitudes between 60 and 75 degrees and takes in Iceland, northern parts of Sweden, Finland, Norway, Russia, Canada and Alaska as well as southern Greenland.

Where are the best places to see the Northern Lights?

We tried to pick 1-2 spots in each of the 12 states where you can see the northern lights in the USA. These states are: Alaska, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, and Vermont. Read on to learn the best places where you can see the aurora in America. 1.

What causes Northern Lights to be seen in Illinois?

The Space Weather Prediction Center explained that during a major geomagnetic storm, the southern and northern aurora ovals expand away from the poles so the aurora can be seen over the United States. What Will Cause Illinois to Bring Back COVID Restrictions?

When to see the aurora borealis in North America?

Aurora borealis activity is currently moderate to elevated. Weather permitting, good northern lights displays could be visible directly overhead in most northern communities. (May 6 to May 8) The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet levels on days one, two, and three (06 May, 07 May, 08 May).

When did the Northern Lights start in Minnesota?

The northern lights illuminate the sky over Lake Elora in northern Minnesota early on July 15, 2012. (Brian Peterson/The Star Tribune) “There are several types of space weather storms, and this part of the event started with a moderate solar flare at the sun,” he said.