How to See the Northern Lights in the Summer

The Northern Lights aren't just a winter phenomenon. Lucky stargazers around the northern half of North America are being treated to spectacular views of the multicolored aurora borealis right now. Residents of European countries like Estonia, Denmark, and Germany have also been seeing the natural occurrence, and have about a 50 percent chance of experience the Northern Lights again tonight. The light show comes thanks to a gust of solar wind from the sun’s surface over the weekend, according to National Geographic, and while the strongest auroras were expected last night, tonight might also prove to be prime sky-watching.

If you live in northern U.S. states like Maine, Minnesota, Seattle, and Wyoming, you'll likely be able to see the Northern Lights around midnight, though auroras may begin just hours after the local sunset. Residents of the midlatitude states, like Pennsylvania and Colorado, may also be able to see the lights, with about a 35 percent chance to see an aurora borealis. If you want to catch a peek, or a photo, try to wait in a location away from urban light pollution and make sure to give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness.

In the meantime, enjoy a preview of what you might see tonight. These photos and videos were all taken of the Northern Lights on August 3.