Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Matt Mikus

Greater chance to spot Northern Lights in Minnesota tonight

A map showing where Northern Lights might be seen Monday night.
This map shows the potential area that the Northern Lights may be seen Monday night and early Tuesday. It's based on forecasts from the Space Weather Prediction Center, a branch of the National Weather Service.
Map by Google Earth | Photo illustration by Matt Mikus

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

There's a slightly greater chance to see the Northern Lights Monday night and early Tuesday, due to a darker, cooler region on the sun.

The Space Weather Prediction Center, a branch of the National Weather Service, said a moderate geomagnetic storm may increase the chances of spotting the Aurora Borealis, especially in northern and middle Minnesota.

"If you have clear dark skies and can get away from city lights, you might be able to catch the Northern Lights if you look north tonight," said Rodney Viereck, director of research at the Space Weather Prediction Center.

Viereck said the best time for viewing will be from 10 p.m. Monday to 4 a.m. early Tuesday. You can track the forecast at the space weather center's website.

The geomagnetic storm, Viereck said, is caused by a darker spot on the sun called a coronal hole. They appear darker in EUV (extreme ultraviolet) and soft x-ray solar images because they're cooler and less dense than the surrounding plasma.

"It's not a sunspot and it's not a big deal, we get these probably 10 to 12 times a year and it gives us a little bit more activity," Viereck said. "Since we saw one of these 27 days ago, it's much easier to predict."