Northern Lights Forecast: Aurora Borealis May Appear In These States Tonight

Topline

A patch of the northern U.S. could have a chance to see aurora borealis on Friday night, with quieter geomagnetic activity expected through the weekend, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast.

Key Facts

NOAA forecast a Kp index of three on a scale of nine for Friday night, indicating aurora borealis will move further from the North Pole, become brighter and be “quite pleasing to look at” for those in the right area.

Auroral activity will likely be further north on Saturday and Sunday, with a maximum Kp index of three expected for either day before likely weakening to a two or one, according to NOAA’s three-day forecast.

There is a “slight chance” for minor solar radiation, according to NOAA, which warned of radio blackouts and a chance for stronger radiation through the weekend, potentially threatening power systems and satellite navigation.

Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?

Most of northern Canada and Alaska will have a low to moderately high chance of seeing the northern lights, with a viewing line—marking the lowest possible chance of viewing the phenomenon—dipping just below the Canadian border. Parts of northern Montana, North Dakota and Wisconsin have a low likelihood of seeing auroral activity, and areas in northern Washington, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Michigan have a lower chance. (See viewing line below.)

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

NOAA suggests traveling to a high vantage point away from light pollution to see the northern lights, which are best seen between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.

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

A smartphone with night mode turned on and a low shutter speed can capture the northern lights even if the phenomenon isn’t visible to the naked eye, according to Iceland’s tourism website. If using a regular camera, Adobe recommends setting the focus to the farthest possible setting with a wide aperture, low shutter speed and high ISO value.

Key Background

Auroral activity has peaked in recent weeks as activity on the sun’s surface has ramped up to a “solar maximum,” resulting in more sunspots and coronal mass ejections, according to NASA. These space weather events are associated with aurora borealis, and stronger events cause the phenomenon to be pulled further south from the North Pole. A peak in auroral activity is expected to continue into 2025 and early 2026. Other celestial events have crossed the night sky in recent weeks and more are expected before the end of the year, including the Leonids meteor shower and this year’s last supermoon—appearing about 30% brighter and 14% larger than the average full moon—appearing this week. Three other meteor showers will appear this year: The Geminids, Ursids and Quadrantids.

Further Reading