Northern Lights Forecast: Aurora Borealis May Be Visible In These States Tonight

Topline

The northern lights will potentially be visible from 12 states Sunday night, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration update.

Key Facts

Sunday night’s forecast has a Kp index of four, meaning the lights will be “quite pleasing to look at” where visible as more motion and formations will be possible as the lights become brighter, according to NOAA.

There is a slight chance of minor solar radiation storms over the next three days, and solar flares that could cause minor to moderate radio blackouts, with a slight chance for strong radio blackouts.

The lights are expected to be less intense than they were Saturday, when the Kp index reached level five and a projected viewing line stretched as low as central Nebraska.

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Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible Tonight?

States either north of or crossing the view line (see below) include Alaska and parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York and Maine. Most regions within the states have a low likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights, though Alaska and the upper edges of Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota have a much higher chance.

How Do You See The Northern Lights?

The lights are typically the most active between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. NOAA advises viewing the lights as close to the poles as possible, avoiding light pollution, monitoring weather forecasts for prime viewing conditions and finding a position on a vantage point like a hilltop.

How Do You Photograph The Lights?

Night mode and longer exposure times on smartphones can help viewers grab photos of the northern lights, as well as an increase in camera exposure.

Key Background

Sunday’s forecast comes after stronger visibility Saturday and a Kp index of three on Friday night. The Kp index is expected to weaken again by Monday to a level three. The anticipated peak of Solar Cycle 25, the sun’s 11-year solar cycle which is expected to crest somewhere between late 2024 and early 2026, has led to an increase in solar activity over the past few months. The cycle is forecast to produce intensifying sunspots (115 to be exact) and increasing geomagnetic storms.

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