Aurora Alert: These States Could See Aurora Borealis Tonight—And This Weekend
It’s possible a portion of the northern U.S. could have an opportunity to see aurora borealis Thursday night, with another chance to view the phenomenon through the weekend, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast.
Key Facts
The aurora borealis forecast has a Kp index of three on a scale of nine, though it’s expected to increase to a four, meaning the aurora will become brighter and be “quite pleasing to look at” for viewers in the right area.
NOAA forecast a Kp index of four for Friday and Saturday nights, suggesting similar opportunities to see the northern lights.
The agency previously forecast a weaker showing for aurora borealis through the weekend, though a minor geomagnetic storm—caused by a burst of energy and particles released by the sun—on Wednesday pushed the phenomenon farther south.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?
There’s a higher likelihood of seeing aurora borealis in Alaska and central Canada, though NOAA forecast a view line—indicating a minimal opportunity to see the northern lights—that sweeps just below the Canadian border. A sliver of northern Washington and Idaho have a lower chance of seeing the northern lights, while states like Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin have a higher likelihood. NOAA expects a stronger forecast for Friday, with several more states having a low chance, including South Dakota, Michigan and Maine.
What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?
NOAA recommends getting away from light pollution and watching from a high vantage point between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. The agency also warns a full moon—with forecasts for Thursday night as a “supermoon”—could diminish how bright the aurora appears to the naked eye
What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?
If using a smartphone, Visit Iceland—Iceland’s tourism website—recommends turning on night mode and selecting a low shutter speed. For a regular camera, Adobe suggests setting the focus to the farthest possible point with a wide aperture, low shutter speed and high ISO value.
Key Background
More people in the U.S. have had chances to see aurora borealis in recent weeks, as the sun experiences a surge in events on its surface. The sun’s 11-year cycle, Solar Cycle 25, started in 2019 and is expected to peak between late 2024 and early 2026. An X1.4 flare—classified by NASA as the most intense—caused NOAA to warn of a severe geomagnetic storm last week, which could disrupt critical infrastructure while pushing the aurora borealis as far south as Texas. NASA forecast more geomagnetic storms leading up to 2026, as the sun’s activity has been busier than projected.
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