Vermont

Northern Lights to dazzle skies across these US states tonight – from Washington to Vermont to Maine | Today News

Published

5 months ago

November 11, 2025

Over 20 states in the United States may be treated to a dazzling display of the Northern Lights tonight (November 11–12). Notably, the Northern Lights occur when solar winds collide with Earth’s atmosphere, producing shifting patterns of light. These displays often feature a mix of colours, including green, pink, red, and purple.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are expected to strike Earth late on Monday, potentially triggering strong (G3) geomagnetic storm conditions. A third and even more powerful CME is also forecast to follow.

This third burst, caused by a massive X5.1-class solar flare — the most powerful recorded so far in 2025 — is predicted to reach Earth at around 7 a.m. EST (12:00 GMT) on 12 November.

In response, NOAA has issued a G4 geomagnetic storm watch, suggesting the potential for widespread auroras visible much farther south than usual. While cloudy skies obscured the view for many last week, weather conditions this time are expected to be more favourable.

Which US states could see the Northern Lights tonight?

If you’re wondering, “from where can I see the northern lights?” NOAA’s latest aurora forecast map has the answer. According to the agency, the Northern Lights could be visible across at least 21 US states.

States expected to catch a glimpse of the aurora include Alaska, North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, South Dakota, Idaho, Vermont, Washington, New Hampshire, Wyoming, New York, Iowa, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana.

This means that even residents in parts of the Midwest and Northeast could enjoy the stunning display if skies remain clear.

When is the best time to watch the aurora borealis in the US?

NOAA’s three-day geomagnetic storm forecast suggests that heightened activity will continue through the night. The best viewing times are expected to be:

4 p.m. – 10 p.m. EST (2100–0300 GMT): Minor (G1) to moderate (G2) storm levels possible

10 p.m. – 1 a.m. EST (0300–0600 GMT): Strong (G3) geomagnetic storm levels possible

During these peak hours, the Northern Lights could appear as glowing ribbons, arcs, or soft clouds of colour drifting across the northern horizon.

How can you improve your chances of seeing the Northern Lights?

Even if you’re not in an ideal location, a few simple techniques recommended by space.com can help you spot or photograph the aurora more easily:

Find a dark spot facing north: Move as far away from city lights as possible and look toward the northern horizon for the best chance of seeing the aurora borealis.

Use your phone camera: Your camera sensor can often detect faint auroras before your eyes do. Try scanning the sky through your camera to locate the right direction.

Let your eyes adjust: Spend at least 30 minutes in darkness to develop night vision.

Dress warmly: Temperatures can drop quickly at night, and aurora watching often involves standing outdoors for long periods.

Be patient: The Northern Lights can appear suddenly, so staying out a little longer might make all the difference.

Which apps can help track aurora activity?

To stay updated in real time, space.com recommends downloading a Northern Lights forecast app that provides alerts based on your location, such as My Aurora Forecast & Alerts or Space Weather Live, both available on iOS and Android.

These apps can notify you when the aurora visibility index spikes in your area — ensuring you don’t miss the show when it begins.

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Vermont

VT Lottery Powerball, Gimme 5 results for April 20, 2026

Published

6 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Press Room

Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win

Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.

Just the FAQs, USA TODAY

The Vermont Lottery offers several draw games for those willing to make a bet to win big.

Those who want to play can enter the MegaBucks and Lucky for Life games as well as the national Powerball and Mega Millions games. Vermont also partners with New Hampshire and Maine for the Tri-State Lottery, which includes the Mega Bucks, Gimme 5 as well as the Pick 3 and Pick 4.

Drawings are held at regular days and times, check the end of this story to see the schedule.

Here’s a look at April 20, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from April 20 drawing

09-17-36-47-64, Powerball: 26, Power Play: 3

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Gimme 5 numbers from April 20 drawing

16-17-25-33-36

Check Gimme 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 20 drawing

Day: 0-5-8

Evening: 6-1-9

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 20 drawing

Day: 7-8-3-4

Evening: 0-0-4-9

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Megabucks Plus numbers from April 20 drawing

04-11-23-32-41, Megaball: 04

Check Megabucks Plus payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

For Vermont Lottery prizes up to $499, winners can claim their prize at any authorized Vermont Lottery retailer or at the Vermont Lottery Headquarters by presenting the signed winning ticket for validation. Prizes between $500 and $5,000 can be claimed at any M&T Bank location in Vermont during the Vermont Lottery Office’s business hours, which are 8a.m.-4p.m. Monday through Friday, except state holidays.

For prizes over $5,000, claims must be made in person at the Vermont Lottery headquarters. In addition to signing your ticket, you will need to bring a government-issued photo ID, and a completed claim form.

All prize claims must be submitted within one year of the drawing date. For more information on prize claims or to download a Vermont Lottery Claim Form, visit the Vermont Lottery’s FAQ page or contact their customer service line at (802) 479-5686.

Vermont Lottery Headquarters

1311 US Route 302, Suite 100

Barre, VT

05641

When are the Vermont Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Gimme 5: 6:55 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
Pick 3 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
Pick 4 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
Pick 3 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
Pick 4 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
Megabucks: 7:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily

What is Vermont Lottery Second Chance?

Vermont’s 2nd Chance lottery lets players enter eligible non-winning instant scratch tickets into a drawing to win cash and/or other prizes. Players must register through the state’s official Lottery website or app. The drawings are held quarterly or are part of an additional promotion, and are done at Pollard Banknote Limited in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Vermont editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Vermont

74-year-old woman fulfills childhood dream as EMT at fair in Vermont

Published

19 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Press Room

74-year-old woman fulfills childhood dream as EMT at fair in Vermont

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. (Aging Untold) — For 10 days, the Champlain Valley Fair, a county fair in Vermont, becomes its own little town with thousands of people, hot afternoons and the occasional emergency.

Charlene Phelps, 74, runs the fair’s emergency response team.

“We have a lot of seniors that come and people don’t drink enough water,” Phelps said.

The team handles sprains, bee stings, heat exhaustion and whatever comes through.

“I like taking care of people, I like helping people,” Phelps said.

Living out a childhood dream

It’s also a childhood dream.

Phelps wanted to be a nurse, but college wasn’t possible, so she found another route into care and has been showing up year after year at the fair.

Aging Untold expert Amy O’Rourke said living out your purpose can improve mental and spiritual well-being.

“When you tap into that, you’re tapping in on a place that’s a risk, that’s a challenge that inevitably creates growth inside you, gives you confidence so that if you’re in another situation you can build on that,” O’Rourke said. “Or, if you’re in an everyday situation where you’re a little anxious, it’ll help create stabilization in that place as well.”

Saving lives at the fair

Sometimes it’s bigger than a bandage.

“Over on there near the swings way over there is Gustovo, and we saved his life,” Phelps said.

Gustovo had gone into cardiac arrest at the fair a few years ago.

“I mean he was gone,” Phelps said.

Now he’s back and working the rides.

“Came for my hug, Gustovo,” Phelps said.

O’Rourke said stories like this are also why some people keep working past retirement age. Purpose isn’t a number, it’s a role.

“I’ve seen a 92-year-old still working as a nurse’s aid. I’ve seen people in my neighborhood chilling out and loving it,” O’Rourke said. “So, I think it’s being really self-aware of what you need and making sure that you’re getting those needs met.”

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Vermont

Vermont lawmakers reject digital lottery initiative – Valley News

Published

1 day ago

April 19, 2026

Press Room

Vermont lawmakers reject digital lottery initiative – Valley News

A plan by Gov. Phil Scott’s administration to make all of the state’s lottery games, including scratch-off tickets, available on a person’s phone never got off the ground at the Statehouse this year.

Lottery Commissioner Wendy Knight told lawmakers in January that the plan was a way to modernize the lottery “because you need to keep pace with technology — you need to meet your players where they are.”

Fifteen states have created a “digital” lottery system, and many have discovered there’s a distinct market of people who don’t buy lottery tickets at retail outlets but will do so on their phones, according to Knight. “We’re trying to ensure the future of the Vermont Lottery, ” the commissioner said.

But state lawmakers have not been persuaded.

Vergennes Rep. Matt Birong, the Democratic chair of the House government operations committee, said members of the panel felt this year was not the time to move forward with this plan, especially given the recent legalization of sports betting.

“It is digitizing a current system and after moving forward with the sports wagering — people just wanted to take their time with it — so my committee decided to tap the brakes on further testimony.”

The administration estimated that the plan would have raised roughly $5 million a year for the state’s education fund after two years of implementation.

The prospect of that additional revenue is appealing to lawmakers, and Birong said they may reconsider the plan next year.

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