If you missed the show put on by the aurora borealis last November, there’s some good news – you’ve got another chance to spot the celestial phenomenon tonight.

According to the government’s Space Weather Prediction Center website, the viewing line of the aurora borealis, also commonly referred to as the Northern Lights, will be dipping down into Colorado on Monday night. While the viewing line only clips the state’s northern edge, in similar past scenarios, this has meant that the aurora has been visible across much of the state for those looking in the right spot amid the right conditions. If the forecast holds true, widespread visibility will be likely.

The geomagnetic activity forecast for tonight is currently showing an eight on a scale of nine (forecasted Kp), with the northern lights often visible in Colorado when that rating clocks in even lower.

As many realized in November, the timing of viewing matters quite a bit. A shift of 15 to 20 minutes can mean a totally different experience, thus, find shorter term forecasts and additional information here.

Cloud coverage and moonlight can also be key factors. Right now, the National Weather Service is calling for a ‘mostly clear’ night around much of the state. The moon is set to be a waxing crescent on January 19, which means an illumination of about one percent.

In other words, if the forecast holds true, tonight could be a great night to see the aurora in Colorado. Go somewhere away from city lights and with a clear view north to up your chances of spotting the event.

Tomorrow, forecasted Kp drops to a four of nine. Viewing may still be possible then, but is much less likely.

Find more information here.

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