Northern Lights could brighten Halloween weekend in US: Could your state get a glimpse?

Halloween decorations may have competition overhead this weekend. A stream of fast-moving solar wind could help bring the Northern Lights within viewing range of parts of the northern United States. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center forecasts a maximum Kp index of five for October 30–November 1. That corresponds to G1, or minor geomagnetic storm conditions. The forecast was issued Friday, October 30, at 12:30 UTC.

A sighting remains uncertain. Even favorable space weather needs darkness and a clear view to produce a worthwhile show.

When could the Northern Lights appear this weekend?

Friday night, October 30, offers a potential opportunity. NOAA’s strongest forecast interval runs from midnight to 3 a.m. UTC on October 31. Across U.S. Eastern Daylight Time, that means 8–11 p.m. Friday. The equivalent Pacific window is 5–8 p.m., so darkness becomes an important limitation in western locations.


The following three-hour period also carries elevated activity. NOAA forecasts another possible minor-storm interval early November 1 UTC, corresponding to Saturday night in the United States. Forecast timing can change as the solar wind approaches.

Which states could see the Northern Lights?

According to a report by Forbes, Alaska is expected to be a better viewing option in the United States. But if you go more south, you can watch the Northern Lights from northeastern Washington and northern Idaho. Both North and South Dakota are expected to get the spectacular view of Aurora Borealis. Montana can also expect to witness the grand view on Halloween weekend.

Places which can also expect to witness some part of the cosmic view are parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula can also be a viewing area.

NOAA’s G1 storm watch specifically identifies northern Michigan and Maine as examples of places where auroras may become visible. A statewide forecast does not mean every community has equal odds.

Check NOAA’s updated aurora viewline before heading out. Its forecast shows where the lights might be visible, including low on the northern horizon.

What is driving the aurora forecast?

NOAA says fast-moving solar wind could cause the expected activity. The wind comes from an area on the Sun called a coronal hole. Solar wind escapes more easily from these areas.

When it reaches Earth, it can disturb our planet’s magnetic field. That can make the northern lights brighter. People farther from the poles may also see them.

The Kp index measures this activity from zero to nine. If the reading is five or above then there are more chances to witness the geomagnetic storm. However, it does not guarantee that it will appear in the place where you live.

Where should you go to watch?

Choose a dark location with an unobstructed northern horizon. City lights can overwhelm a faint display.

NOAA recommends the hours around local midnight, generally 10 p.m.–2 a.m., for aurora watching. If you want to get the best view, you need to watch out the forecast window for the geomagnetic storm rather than waiting for midnight.

The coverage of clouds is important as it can hamper the view. Check your local weather forecast before making the trip.

Can you photograph the Northern Lights with a phone?

A smartphone’s night mode can be of some help but you need to turn off the flash and support the phone on a tripod or stable surface to get a better photograph or video.

Use a timer to avoid moving the camera when pressing the shutter. If your device supports RAW photography then you can get more options for editing the picture.

You need to keep your expectations real and don’t stay there for long a some colors can appear faint.