Topline
A few northern US states might catch sight of the aurora borealis on Thursday due to ongoing geomagnetic storm conditions impacting Earth’s magnetosphere, reports the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Key Facts
NOAA
forecast
a Kp index of four out of nine for Thursday,
suggesting
there will be an increase in auroral activity that can be “quite pleasing to look at” for observers in the right areas.
Thursday night’s auroral activity is the result of lasting geomagnetic storm conditions from earlier this week, which were caused by a coronal high-speed stream, or winds from a cooler, less dense area on the sun’s surface interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field, according to NOAA’s three-day forecast.
The northern lights will likely be as visible on Friday with an expected Kp index of four, before auroral activity calms on Saturday with a Kp index of three, according to NOAA.
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Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?
A sighting line—which indicates a slim opportunity to observe the Northern Lights—extends as far south as southern Minnesota. However, Alaska and northern Canada remain the most likely regions for witnessing this spectacle. Areas such as parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and upper Michigan have a lesser probability of seeing the aurora borealis, whereas locations in South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Maine possess an even smaller chance. (Refer to the map below.)
What Is the Most Effective Method for Viewing the Aurora Borealis?
The aurora borealis can be observed most effectively from around 10 PM to 2 AM local time when you’re positioned at an elevated spot free from artificial lighting, as stated by the NOAA.
What Is the Ideal Method for Capturing Images of the Aurora Borealis?
If you’re utilizing a standard camera, photo professionals
told
For National Geographic, employ wide-angle lenses with an aperture or F-stop of four or lower and adjust the focus to infinity. In case you’re using a smartphone, according to NOAA guidelines, activate night mode but turn off the flash.
Key Background
The northern lights are produced by electrons from solar events—solar flares and coronal mass ejections—intersecting with molecules and atoms of nitrogen and oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere. This interaction causes the electrons to become “excited” before releasing the colorful displays of the aurora borealis. Solar events occur more frequently during peaks in activity on the sun’s surface, or a “solar maximum,” which NASA said was achieved in October 2024. This peak will likely persist into early 2026. Last year, NASA said the strongest geomagnetic storm in the last two decades affected Earth, pulling the northern lights as far south as Texas and northern Florida.
Further Reading
Northern Lights Displays Hit A 500-Year Peak In 2024—Here’s Where You Could Catch Aurora Borealis In 2025
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