Could you see the northern lights tonight, tomorrow in NJ? Here’s when, where to see it

A strong solar storm headed to Earth could produce dazzling displays of color over the night sky in states across the Northeast, potentially reaching as far south as New Jersey.

The sun emitted a burst of highly energetic particles on Sunday, called coronal mass ejections, that should reach Earth by tonight, thus triggering colorful geomagnetic storms across the northern U.S. states. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center issued a storm watch for April 16, but said in a post on X on Tuesday they are monitoring the magnetic energy that could bump the storm to a higher level.

The storm, caused by a coronal mass ejection, or eruption of solar material, is developing tonight, with chances to view the dancing glow of the northern lights tonight, April 15, and on Wednesday, April 16. If it’s anything like last year’s majestical display in New Jersey, it might be worth heading outside for a potential peek.

Here’s what we know about the timing and potential to see it from New Jersey, as well as how to view it from your phone:

What are the northern lights? What is the aurora borealis?

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are the result of electrically charged particles from the Sun and gases in Earth’s outer atmosphere known for creating ribbons of colorful light in the night sky, often shades of green, red or purple.

Forecasters say electromagnetic activity is increasing as the sun continues to reach the height of its 11-year solar cycle, which is 2025, according to NASA. While we see the famous display as a striking sight, these solar eruptions bring potential impacts to power grids, satellite signals, radio communications, navigation and GPS, depending on their strength according to NOAA.

Aurora borealis forecast: When can I see the northern lights?

A geomagnetic storm watch for a “moderate storm” has been issued for April 16 by the Space Weather Prediction Center, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. While still being monitored, the storm may be best viewed tonight, Tuesday, April 15, and Wednesday, April 16.

Predicting the timing is difficult since experts have to monitor the strength and orientation of the magnetic energy, but the best time is after sunset and before sunrise.

Will NJ see the northern lights? See the list of states

The northern lights are expected to glow in the night sky over portions of the Northeastern states in areas as far south as Pennsylvania and New York. It also has the potential to reach into New Jersey; Accuweather said Monday if the geomagnetic storms are stronger than expected, “the aurora could be visible even further south.”

As of now, here are the best states to view the storm in the Northeast region:

• Pennsylvania
• New York
• New Hampshire
• Vermont
• Maine

Other states that may be able to view the storm are: North Dakota; Montana; Minnesota; Washington; Michigan; Wisconsin; Oregon; Idaho; Wyoming; Iowa; Nebraska; and Illinois.

How can I see the northern lights? Here’s some tips

Northern lights forecasts can be found on NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website, which provides short- and three-day forecasts for possible activity.

The best way to capture the northern lights is through your cell phone, even when they aren’t visible to the naked eye. Ensure your cellphone or camera is on long-exposure mode, point to the sky with a steady hand and snap the photo.

Also consider where you are; dark areas away from city lights are best, such as a local park. And be sure to check your local forecast; if there are clouds in the sky, it may just disrupt the entire show.

Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.