Washington could see northern lights as ‘strong’ geomagnetic storm hits
People in the Evergreen State might be able to see the northern lights tonight (Thursday, Nov. 6).
That’s according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center, which said a strong geomagnetic storm “is in progress.” One possible effect is that aurora borealis, or the northern lights, may be visible on the northern horizon in the upper part of the U.S., including Washington, per the center.
What’s the best way to see the northern lights?
It appears people in Washington have the greatest likelihood of seeing aurora on Thursday night, although those in the northern part of the state might also be able to see the northern lights on Friday night, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center’s aurora forecast.
Getting a glimpse of the natural phenomenon isn’t guaranteed, but it’s possible.
To give yourself the best chance, the center recommends finding a view to the north.
Also, be prepared to head out after dark.
“Go out at night. Get away from city lights. The full moon will also diminish the apparent brightness of the aurora (not the actual brightness),” the center said, adding that the best timing “is usually within an hour or two of midnight (between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time).”
What are the northern lights?
NASA described the northern and southern lights as “colorful, dynamic, and often visually delicate displays of an intricate dance of particles and magnetism between the sun and earth called space weather.”
The sun sends out charged particles called solar wind, and “when the solar wind reaches earth, it can interact with earth’s magnetic shield, often depositing and accumulating energy there,” NASA said, adding that “when this energy is finally released, much of it rains down on our atmosphere, causing auroras.”
Auroras are most commonly green, according to NASA, which said “the colors of an aurora come from atoms and molecules being energized by colliding with energetic particles in the upper atmosphere.”
This story was originally published November 6, 2025 at 11:18 AM.
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