Updated Northern Lights Forecast: Here’s Where Aurora Borealis Would Appear Tonight

Updated Northern Lights Forecast: Here’s Where Aurora Borealis Would Appear Tonight

Topline A portion of the northern U.S. will have a chance of seeing aurora borealis Monday night, following a geomagnetic storm that exposed several states to the phenomenon, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Key Facts

The aurora borealis forecast for Monday night has a Kp index of two on a scale of nine, meaning the northern lights will be farther north and “quite dim in intensity.”

 

Last week, a geomagnetic storm—caused by a burst of energy and particles released by the sun—pushed the northern lights as far south as Texas, featuring strong, colorful displays across most of the northern U.S.

 

Northern lights are created by the collision of ions with Earth’s atmospheric gases, producing an array of colors in the sky.

Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?

Most of the continental U.S. is below the view line, though most areas in Alaska and Canada have a higher chance of viewing the aurora. A sliver of northern Minnesota has a lower likelihood of viewing the northern lights.

What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?

NOAA advises viewers to be at a high vantage point and away from light pollution, while the optimal time to see the aurora borealis is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. in areas north of the view line.

 

What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?

Smartphones with night mode turned on will be able to photograph the aurora even if the naked eye can’t see it, according to Visit Iceland, Iceland’s tourism website.

Key Background

More Americans have been able to see the northern lights as the sun continues through its latest 11-year cycle, which NASA said will peak between late 2024 and early 2026. Solar Cycle 25 features an increase in sunspots and geomagnetic storms, contributing to stronger aurora forecasts farther south. As we near the cycle’s peak, the sun’s activity has been busier than anticipated, and scientists say there will likely be more geomagnetic storms leading up to 2026.