Northern Lights Could Be Visible Over MN Tonight: NOAA

MINNESOTA — The northern lights could be visible over Minnesota Tuesday night, and the weather forecast may give skywatchers a decent shot at seeing them.

Forecast maps from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center show the aurora visibility zone dipping far enough south that parts of Minnesota could catch the lights.

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Northern Minnesota is expected to have the best chance, but people farther south could still see the aurora low on the northern horizon if conditions line up.

NOAA says a minor geomagnetic storm is possible Tuesday due to lingering solar wind effects, which can sometimes push aurora visibility farther south than usual.

In the Twin Cities, the National Weather Service forecast calls for mostly clear skies Tuesday night, with a low around 50 degrees. Clearer skies could improve viewing conditions, especially in darker areas away from city lights.

NOAA says its aurora forecast maps show both the expected visibility zone and the southernmost "viewline," or the farthest south from which the lights may still be visible on the northern horizon.

The forecast is based on the maximum expected geomagnetic activity between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Central Time.

Any viewing opportunity will still depend on dark skies, limited light pollution, and how strong the aurora becomes overnight. Chances are expected to weaken after Tuesday, with lower odds for visibility Wednesday and Thursday.