Montana Could See Northern Lights and a Meteor Shower Together

We've got exciting news for anyone who likes looking up at the Montana night sky. 

Draconids and Northern Lights: A Celestial Combination

We already know the Draconid meteor shower is peaking around October 8 into October 9, and now there is a chance we could have another spectacular event joining the show: the Northern Lights. 

READ MORE:  Montana Could Get a Great View of This Meteor Shower

A coronal mass ejection, or CME, from the Sun could send charged particles toward Earth and give us a chance to see the aurora here in Montana. 

According to Space.com, three separate CMEs could boost Northern Lights activity through the weekend, which means we may have several opportunities to see the aurora. 

Weather Conditions for Optimal Skywatching

The timing may actually work out pretty well for us. 

At least for the next 24 hours, we've got some pretty good weather for skywatching in many parts of Montana. That means we may potentially have the Draconid meteor shower and the Northern Lights happening together. 

READ MORE: This Tiny Montana Town Is One of the Best in America to See the Northern Lights

That's a pretty cool combination. 

Catch the Show While You Can!

The bad news is that our weather forecast starts to get less cooperative heading into the weekend, with more clouds and chances for rain and snow showers across parts of Montana. 

Tonight's the Night for Draconids Viewing

So, if you've got clear skies tonight, this might be a good night to step outside and look up. 

NOAA.gov

Here's something else to remember about the Draconids: you don't necessarily have to stay up until the middle of the night to see them. Unlike some meteor showers that are best viewed in the early morning hours, the Draconids can be active earlier in the evening. We also have a nearly new moon this evening, so moonlight won't interfere with looking for meteors. 

So tonight, find a spot away from the city lights, give your eyes some time to adjust, and keep looking up. 

A Night to Remember: Dual Sky Wonders

You could potentially see meteors streaking across the sky while the Northern Lights are glowing in the background. 

Two pretty amazing sky shows at the same time? That's a Montana night worth staying up for.