A geomagnetic storm is expected to impact Earth’s magnetic field this weekend, creating the potential for stunning Northern Lights displays in regions that don’t typically experience them. According to forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the solar activity could push the aurora borealis farther south than usual, giving people in select U.S. states a rare chance to witness the spectacular phenomenon.
The Kp index, which measures geomagnetic storm intensity on a scale from 0 to 9, is forecasted to reach Kp 4 on Friday night, NOAA reports. While this level is considered moderate, it could still make auroras visible much farther south than usual, particularly in parts of the northern U.S. and Canada.
Alongside the auroral activity, the storm may also trigger minor to moderate radio blackouts through Sunday, as a recent solar flare has increased solar wind intensity. While it remains unclear whether the Northern Lights will continue beyond Saturday, forecasters say Friday night provides the best viewing opportunity for those in the right locations.
Where Will the Northern Lights Be Visible?
Based on the latest NOAA predictions, the strongest auroral displays will be seen in:
- Northern Canada
- Alaska
However, regions farther south may still have a chance to witness the auroras under optimal conditions. The viewing line—which marks the farthest possible extent of visibility—could dip as far south as southern Minnesota, giving residents of select northern states a shot at seeing the phenomenon.
The states with the best chances of catching a glimpse include:
- Northeastern Washington
- Northern Idaho
- Northern Montana
- North Dakota
- Northern Minnesota
- Northern Wisconsin
- Upper Michigan
Additionally, there is a lower probability of sightings in:
- Northern South Dakota
- Wisconsin
- Northern Michigan
- Northern Maine
These areas may only see faint auroras or require ideal conditions with minimal light pollution to catch the glow in the night sky.
Best Practices for Viewing the Aurora Borealis
If you’re hoping to witness the Northern Lights, follow these tips to maximize your chances:
- Time it Right – Auroras are most visible between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time when the sky is darkest.
- Find a Dark Location – Get away from city lights and light pollution to see the auroras more clearly.
- Look to the North – The further south you are, the closer to the northern horizon you should look.
- Check the Forecast – Cloud cover can block visibility, so ensure clear skies before heading out.
- Stay Patient – Aurora activity can fluctuate; sometimes, a faint glow can turn into a dazzling light show within minutes.
If conditions are optimal, auroras could be visible as far as 620 miles away from the strongest activity zones, meaning even states outside the primary viewing area could catch a faint glow.
How to Capture the Northern Lights on Camera
If you want to photograph the auroras, National Geographic recommends the following settings:
- Use a wide-angle lens to capture more of the sky.
- Set your camera to a high ISO value (800-3200) for better low-light performance.
- Adjust the focus to infinity for sharp stars and auroras.
- Keep your camera steady on a tripod to avoid blurriness.
- If using a smartphone, enable night mode for the best results.
The Science Behind the Northern Lights
The aurora borealis is caused by solar weather events, such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which release charged particles from the Sun into space. When these particles collide with Earth’s atmosphere, they interact with oxygen and nitrogen atoms, producing the glowing lights we see in the sky.
This natural spectacle follows an 11-year solar cycle, which alternates between solar minimums and solar maximums—periods of low and high solar activity. NASA confirmed that the Sun reached its most recent peak in October 2024, making this year a prime time for frequent auroras.
The last time the northern lights were visible as far south as Texas and Florida was in May 2024, when one of the most powerful geomagnetic storms in 500 years hit Earth. A similar event in October 2024 produced another rare low-latitude aurora display, proving that solar storms can have a massive impact on aurora visibility.
Will More Northern Lights Be Visible in 2025?
With the solar cycle approaching its peak, more frequent aurora displays are expected throughout 2025. Scientists predict that increased solar activity could bring stronger geomagnetic storms, potentially allowing the Northern Lights to be seen even farther south in the coming months.
If you miss the auroras this weekend, don’t worry—this may just be the beginning of an exciting year for skywatchers. Keep an eye on NOAA’s space weather forecasts and solar storm alerts for updates on when the next big light show might happen.
