Topline
The northern lights might make an appearance in up to nine states Thursday night, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which issued a forecast giving regions along the northern U.S. border a chance at seeing the natural phenomenon.
Thursday and Friday’s auroral forecast are identical as of Thursday afternoon.
Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images
Key Facts
A Kp index of five has been issued by NOAA, meaning more auroral formations and motion could be in store for observers located in the right places.
Observers may have a similar chance at seeing the northern lights on Friday night, as NOAA’s auroral forecast as of early Thursday afternoon was identical for the following night.
NOAA has not issued any warnings for geomagnetic storms, which can contribute to increased auroral activity.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?
Portions of at least nine states might see the northern lights Thursday, according to NOAA, which gives a “low” chance of seeing the lights tonight in northern Washington, the northern tip of Idaho, the northern half of Montana, North Dakota, the northern edge of South Dakota, northern Minnesota and the northernmost stretches of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Much of Alaska has a high chance of seeing the northern lights, the forecast showed.
Thursday’s auroral forecast.
NOAA
What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?
The hours between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. typically provide the best chance at seeing the northern lights, as the window of time coincides with heightened auroral activity. Viewers should try to check out the aurora borealis in places with little to no light pollution. Observation from high vantage points can also help, as can little to no moonlight. The moon’s phase for Thursday night is a waning crescent, with just 7% of the moon being visible.
What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?
Observers taking photos on their phones should not use flash and utilize night mode if they can. Tripods and shooting photos in low apertures can also help viewers snap a shot of the northern lights.
Key Background
Northern lights displays were historically strong and frequent in 2024, when solar activity exceeded expectations as the sun reached the peak of its 11-year solar cycle. Auroral activity has remained generally elevated since then, but 2026 could be the final year the northern lights are seen so reliably as more time passes from the peak of the sun’s solar cycle.
Further Reading
Aurora Dashboard (NOAA)