North Region North Dakota
State: North Dakota
Score: 91 (Great)
Best window: Tuesday 12:00 AM-3:00 AM CDT
Main factor: Northern horizon and cloud risk
Event details
Aurora Watch Window
Aurora can appear as northern sky glow, pillars, or moving curtains during geomagnetic activity.
When to look: Late night if geomagnetic activity rises
Where visible: Northern tier states
How to watch: No telescope required. A phone or camera can reveal color before your eyes do.
What can ruin visibility
Check these before travel
Clouds, city glow, weak geomagnetic activity, and a blocked northern horizon can ruin visibility.
- Check geomagnetic activity
- Find a clear northern horizon
- Avoid city light domes
- Recheck clouds before driving
Event timing source
Date guard and local forecast handoff
Calendar status: Date to confirm
Date guard: Past event windows are not promoted as current events on the event hub or astronomy calendar.
Forecast dataset: 2026-07-13
Use this event page for the sky-window baseline, then use the map or tonight forecast for clouds, moonlight, darkness, and the best local viewing window.
Best northern starting locations
Prioritize northern latitude, low clouds, and an open northern horizon
North Region Pennsylvania
State: Pennsylvania
Score: 90 (Great)
Best window: Monday 11:00 PM-1:00 AM EDT
Main factor: Northern horizon and cloud risk
North Region Wisconsin
State: Wisconsin
Score: 90 (Great)
Best window: Monday 11:00 PM-2:00 AM CDT
Main factor: Northern horizon and cloud risk
North Region Wyoming
State: Wyoming
Score: 90 (Great)
Best window: Monday 11:00 PM-2:00 AM MDT
Main factor: Northern horizon and cloud risk
Check activity and northern horizon
Simple field check
Aurora trips depend on geomagnetic activity and cloud cover. Confirm activity is elevated and choose a site with a clear northern horizon before driving.
Watch after dark when activity is elevated and clouds are low.
Recheck local sky conditions before long travel, especially if the event depends on a short viewing window.