Areas closest to the American-Canadian border will have the highest chance of seeing the northern lights in the continental United States.

Multiple U.S. states could have a chance to see the northern lights just before Halloween.

The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, may be visible in several states on Thursday night, Oct. 30, according to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). Most of Canada will also have a chance to see the lights.

Alaska has the highest likelihood of seeing the spectacular phenomena of all the U.S. states. Still, some states in the contiguous U.S., closest to the American-Canadian border, could see the northern lights illuminate the night sky, though the chances are low.

Here's what to know.

When could the northern lights be visible?

The northern lights could be visible in certain states on Thursday night, Oct. 30, according to SPWC.

Low likelihood of seeing the northern lights

While more states had a greater chance of seeing the northern lights on Tuesday, Oct. 28, and Wednesday, Oct. 29, fewer states will be likely to see them the night before Halloween.

Alaska still has a higher chance of seeing the spectacular phenomena than any state in the continental United States, but states closest to the border will also have a slight chance.

Will northern lights be visible on Halloween?

As of Thursday, Oct. 30, Alaska has a chance of seeing the aurora borealis on Friday, Oct. 31, though that likelihood is low, according to the SWPC's forecast. But the view line, which marks the southernmost extent where aurora might be seen on the northern horizon, does not reach past the American-Canadian border. The forecast, however, could change.

Which states could see the northern lights?

The map below identifies where the aurora could be visible.

Areas under a red shading have a higher chance of seeing northern lights, while areas under a green shading have a lower chance. The NOAA says the red "view line" marks the southernmost extent where aurora might be seen on the northern horizon.

The following states are within the view line and have a chance at seeing the northern lights:

  • Alaska
  • A small area of Washington
  • A small area of Idaho
  • Montana
  • North Dakota
  • Minnesota
  • Wisconsin

Julia is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers scientific studies and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Northern lights could be visible in these states the night before Halloween

Reporting by Julia Gomez, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect