Northern Lights Forecast: 18 US states expected to witness aurora borealis — Best Time and conditions to watch

A powerful burst of solar activity is set to light up the night sky this week, with the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, expected to be visible across parts of the United States as far south as the Midwest and Northeast, according to forecasters.

Solar Storm Sparks Aurora Display

The rare viewing opportunity is being driven by a coronal mass ejection (CME), a massive burst of solar plasma and magnetic fields, that erupted from the Sun on March 16. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecast a Kp index of 6 on a scale of 9, indicating strong geomagnetic storm conditions.

Such disturbances in Earth’s upper atmosphere enhance the visibility of the Aurora Borealis, pushing the shimmering lights further south than usual. The storm is expected to peak early Thursday morning, increasing the chances of sightings across a wider region.

Where Northern Lights May Be Visible

While Alaska and Canada remain prime viewing locations, NOAA’s forecast suggests that several U.S. states could witness the Northern Lights on Wednesday night.

States with a high probability, as per a report by Forbes include:

• Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota
  
• Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan
  
• Maine
  

Additionally, parts of the following regions may also catch a glimpse:

• Washington, Vermont, New Hampshire
  
• Northern and western New York
  
• Northern areas of Nebraska, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Iowa and Illinois
  

Visibility depends heavily on local weather conditions and light pollution.

Best Time and Conditions to Watch

The Aurora Borealis is typically most visible between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. Skywatchers are advised to:

• Face north for optimal viewing
  
• Travel to areas with minimal light pollution
  
• Seek higher ground for clearer horizons
  

Clear skies will significantly improve the chances of witnessing the phenomenon.

What Causes the Northern Lights?

The Aurora Borealis occurs when charged particles from the Sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere near the magnetic poles. These collisions release energy in the form of colorful light displays, typically green, pink, or purple.

The ongoing solar storm may also trigger a solar sector boundary crossing, a phenomenon that alters the orientation of Earth’s magnetic field, further intensifying auroral activity.

Potential Impact of Solar Activity

While the Northern Lights offer a spectacular visual treat, heightened solar activity can also have broader implications. Experts warn that strong geomagnetic storms may:

• Disrupt satellite communications
  
  
  
• Affect aviation systems, particularly on polar routes
  
  
  
• Pose minor radiation risks to astronauts aboard the International Space Station
  

There is also a small chance, around 10%, of a solar radiation storm accompanying the event.

Tips to Photograph the Aurora

Capturing the Aurora Borealis requires a bit of preparation:

• Use a tripod for stability
  
  
  
• Turn off flash and enable night mode on smartphones
  
  
  
• For cameras, use a wide-angle lens and low aperture (f/4 or lower)
  
  
  
• Set focus to infinity for sharp images
  

These adjustments can help enhance clarity and color in low-light conditions.

FAQs

When can I see the Northern Lights this week?

The best chance to see the Northern Lights is Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, particularly between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Which U.S. states can view the Aurora Borealis?

States like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, and Maine have high chances, while several northern regions may also experience partial visibility.