Topline
The northern lights may make an appearance in up to 10 states Thursday night, according to a forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which predicts mild auroral activity in the next two nights.
The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, glow in the sky over St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay on the North East coast, reaching a G4 level geomagnetic storm, putting on an amazing display in the early hours.
Photo by Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty Images
Key Facts
NOAA issued a Kp index of five for Thursday night, meaning the aurora for observers in the right areas can be “quite pleasing” to look at.
No geomagnetic storms, which can strengthen northern lights showings, are forecast for Thursday.
If forecasts hold, observers will have another chance at seeing the northern lights Friday, with NOAA issuing another Kp index of five.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?
According to NOAA’s forecast map, the aurora borealis may be visible in areas including northern Washington, the northern tip of Idaho, northern Montana, Wyoming near the Montana border, North Dakota, northern South Dakota, northern Minnesota, the northern tip of Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and northern Michigan. As usual, much of Alaska will have a higher chance of seeing the northern lights than the lower 48, according to the forecast.
Thursday night’s aurora forecast.
NOAA
What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?
Observers should use high vantage points and view the lights from areas with little to no light pollution. Observing between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. usually provides the best chances of seeing the northern lights.
What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?
Low apertures, wide-angle lenses and tripods can help capture good photos of the aurora borealis, as can night mode on smartphones, which should avoid using flash.
Key Background
The northern lights form from sun particles interacting with earth’s magnetic field, while solar storms work as energy bursts from the sun that can enhance auroral showings. Northern lights showings reached a 500-year high in 2024, when the sun reached the peak of its 11-year solar cycle. Auroral activity is expected to taper off the more time passes from the cycle’s peak.
Further Reading
Aurora Dashboard (NOAA)