Aurora borealis forecast: Northern lights may dazzle skies across a dozen US states tonight and tomorrow; see the full list

The aurora borealis could make an appearance in more than a dozen states over the next two days, on both September 5 and 6, according to a forecast from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. According to the SWPC forecast, the northern lights will be more visible in northern Canada and Alaska once the sun goes down.

A lower, but still possible, chance is expected in parts of several US states: Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. See map below.

Tips for viewing the Aurora

As per NOAA, aurora visibility depends on four key factors: geomagnetic activity, location, darkness, and timing.

1. Geomagnetic Activity (Kp Index):

If the geomagnetic field is active, then the aurora will be brighter and further from the poles. Geomagnetic activity is driven by solar activity and solar coronal holes, and thus it waxes and wanes with time and is measured by the Kp index.

• Kp measures geomagnetic activity from 0 to 9.
  
  
• This time Kp is 5, meaning the aurora moves further from the poles, becomes bright, and shows active formations. From the right location, you can see a vivid display with motion and colors.
  

2. Location:

• Head toward the magnetic poles (e.g., north Canada in the Northern Hemisphere).
  
  
• An unobstructed view toward the pole, like from a hill or open field, can allow aurora visibility even 600 miles further north.
  

3. Darkness:

• Get away from city lights and avoid bright moonlight.
  
  
• Note: In high latitudes during summer, it may not get fully dark, so auroras are best viewed in fall, winter, or near the equinoxes.
  

4. Timing:

• Peak viewing is usually 10 PM to 2 AM local time.
  
  
• Active auroras can appear earlier in the evening or later in the morning if geomagnetic activity is high.
  

Best Seasons:

• Spring and fall equinoxes offer a higher chance of strong auroras due to solar wind interactions.