Northern lights in Washington DC Metro tonight

The most accessible dark sky escape from the DC metro area. Skyline Drive runs the length of the Blue Ridge at 800-1100 m elevation, 70-90 miles from central DC via I-66 or US-211. Big Meadows at milepost 51 is the brightest cleared area on the ridge and gives north-facing open sky at 1070 m. Bortle 3-4 from the ridge. The Virginia side of the Blue Ridge faces northwest toward the Shenandoah Valley with minimal light domes. Accessible year-round (the drive occasionally closes in ice). One of the most-used aurora escape routes for DC and Northern Virginia residents.

On the Maryland-Virginia coast, Assateague Island gives a north-facing Atlantic beach with Bortle 2-3 conditions. The northern end near Ocean City, Maryland, is too close to resort lighting. The southern Virginia portion (Chincoteague NWR side) or the Maryland park's south beach area, roughly 20 miles from Ocean City, gives better darkness. About 140 miles from DC. The open Atlantic horizon gives excellent sky access with minimal obstruction. The island's wild ponies and dunes add character to night photography.

Catoctin Mountain Park near Thurmont, Maryland, gives Bortle 3-4 conditions 65 miles north of DC via I-270. The ridge tops face north across rural Frederick County farmland. Gambrill State Park adjacent gives similar conditions. Both sit at 400-500 m elevation on the eastern Blue Ridge. This is the closest accessible dark sky north of DC - particularly useful for quick aurora trips when conditions develop overnight. About 65 miles via I-270 and US-15.