Northern lights possible in Chicago skies tonight

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Northern Lights over Chicago | Jake Hamilton

CHICAGO - A geomagnetic storm could make the northern lights visible in the Chicago area late Monday into early Tuesday.

What we know:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center issued a Geomagnetic Storm Watch for a G2-level event, considered moderate on the five-level G-scale.

Aurora likelihood | NOAA

The aurora borealis, or northern lights, is usually visible only near the poles. But strong solar storms can push the glow farther south, sometimes into the Midwest.

Forecast:

Skies will be clear tonight into early Tuesday morning, giving Chicago-area residents a chance to see the spectacle.

The video below is dated but explains the science behind the northern lights.

Emily explains: Northern lights possible in Chicago skies tonight

A rare northern lights show could light up Chicago skies tonight?here?s how to see it.

To maximize your chances:

• Find a dark spot away from city lights.
• Look north along the horizon.
• Be patient—auroras can flicker in and out quickly.
• Keep expectations realistic—photos online often look more vivid than what the naked eye sees.

What you can do:

For updates, visit NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center or spaceweather.com.