Topline
A group of states across the northern U.S. will have a chance to see the northern lights Thursday, with more areas likely to see the phenomenon as some geomagnetic storms are expected later this week, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Some “minor” to “moderate” geomagnetic storms are likely later this week, forecasters said.
Key Facts
Auroral activity is forecast with a Kp index of three on a scale of nine for Thursday night, suggesting the northern lights will be “quite pleasing to look at” for stargazers in the right areas, as the displays will likely be more active farther from the poles.
Thursday’s aurora forecast follows some “minor” geomagnetic storms late Wednesday, which brought a likelihood for northern lights displays to nearly 15 states, NOAA’s three-day forecast indicates.
Some “minor” to “moderate” geomagnetic storms are expected Saturday night because of sustained solar winds, NOAA said, which could increase the Kp index forecast to nearly six, though a Kp index of four is projected for Friday.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible Thursday?
Most of Canada and Alaska will have a higher chance of seeing the northern lights, with a lesser opportunity forecast for parts of northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. (See map below.)
Thursday’s view line.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible Friday?
About 10 states will have an opportunity to view the northern lights Friday, with a lower chance forecast for Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Maine, with the highest likelihood forecast for Alaska.
What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?
NOAA suggests traveling to a high, north-facing and unobstructed vantage point away from light pollution between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.
What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?
If using a smartphone, NASA recommends using a tripod to stabilize the image, enabling night mode and disabling flash. With a regular camera, photography experts told National Geographic it’s best to use a wide-angle lens, an aperture or F-stop of four or less and a focus set to the furthest possible setting.
Key Background
Geomagnetic storms disrupt Earth’s magnetic fields around the north and south poles, where electrons accelerate and “bombard” the upper atmosphere while creating aurora borealis. More aurora borealis displays are expected through early 2026, according to projections from NASA and NOAA, after a “solar maximum” was reached on the sun’s surface last year. This peak, achieved periodically over the sun’s 11-year cycle, represents an increase in solar events like solar flares and coronal mass ejections. These events are also responsible for the northern lights, as electrons from these events collide with molecules of oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing them to become “excited” before releasing energy in the form of swirling lights.
Further Reading
