Rare Northern Lights Opportunity On Thanksgiving: Here’s Where To See The Aurora Borealis Tonight

Topline

A number of states in the northern United States may have the chance to see the Northern Lights on Thanksgiving night into Friday as a geomagnetic storm is expected to pull the aurora borealis south, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast.

Key Facts

The aurora borealis forecast for Thursday night has a Kp index of five on a scale of nine, meaning the aurora will become brighter and have more aurora activity, making it “quite pleasing to look at” if in the right location, according to NOAA.

NOAA also predicts a minor to moderate, or greater, geomagnetic storm Thursday night into Friday because of “possible impacts from a filament eruption” that occurred Monday.

Geomagnetic activity causes the appearance of the northern lights as ions collide with atmospheric gasses from Earth to create auroral displays, and earlier this week NASA predicted up to 16 solar flares and 35 coronal mass ejections from the sun’s surface this week.

Where Can You See The Northern Lights On Thanksgiving?

NOAA predicts the northern lights may be visible above its viewing line (see image below) in parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, northern Iowa, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

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

It’s best to see the northern lights from dark locations away from bright city lights. Scientists say the best time to view them is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time and recommend having a good vantage point with an unobstructed view toward the north.

How Can You Take Photos Of The Northern Lights?

If using a regular camera to capture the lights, set the focus to the farthest possible setting, a wide aperture and a high ISO value. If using a smartphone camera, it’s best to turn on night mode with a wide aperture, according to Iceland’s tourism website.

Key Background

The sun is currently at the maximum phase of its 11-year cycle that began in 2019, meaning solar surges and viewings of the northern lights will be more common. Sun spots and coronal mass ejections are expected to continue through next year and into 2026, causing more colorful movement in the skies. The colors are a result of magnetic reconnection, or the process in which magnetic fields snap into new shapes, similar to rubber bands that have been stretched too far, according to NASA. In May, auroral activity reached its strongest point and caused the strongest auroras that had been seen in about 500 years, with people as far south as Arizona.

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