Tonight, the aurora borealis will be visible across 24 states in the United States, with the best opportunities for viewing in Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has identified a prime viewing window from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.. The phenomenon occurs due to charged particles from the solar wind colliding with Earth's upper atmosphere, creating stunning light displays. These lights can appear in various colors, primarily greens and reds, depending on the altitude and type of atmospheric particles involved. Under quiet space weather, auroras are typically seen at high latitudes, but disturbances can push them further south, making them visible across much of the continental U.S. and even parts of Europe and Australia.