Topline
Nearly a dozen states in the northern U.S. could have an opportunity to view the northern lights on Friday, though more areas might be able to observe the phenomenon as solar activity may intensify, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
More states may have a chance to observe the phenomenon as solar activity intensifies, forecasters said.
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Key Facts
NOAA forecast a Kp index of four on a scale of nine for Friday night, indicating the northern lights may be visible as far south as southern Minnesota near Iowa’s northern border.
Friday’s northern lights forecast follows strong geomagnetic storms late Thursday and early Friday, which made the aurora borealis visible in roughly 22 states.
Stronger geomagnetic storms “remain possible” for Thursday night, according to NOAA, suggesting the phenomenon may become visible in a dozen more states as the agency forecast a maximum Kp index of seven for late Friday and nearly five for early Saturday.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?
Northern Canada and Alaska have the highest likelihood of viewing the northern lights, once the sun sets in the state. A lesser, yet still possible chance is forecast for parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Maine. Should the forecast be upgraded to a Kp index of seven, the northern lights would have a chance of visibility in areas of Oregon, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and New Hampshire. (See map below.)