These 7 States Could See Aurora Borealis Tonight

Topline

A handful of northern U.S. states may be able to catch the northern lights Saturday night, according to the latest National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast, though no geomagnetic storms are expected.

The northern lights may be visible in a handful of states Saturday night. (Photo by Alexander … More Manzyuk/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Anadolu via Getty Images

Key Facts

NOAA projected Saturday night’s northern lights would have a Kp index of 3, a measure of the aurora’s strength on a scale of 0 to 9, indicating “brighter” lights that may be “quite pleasing to look at” from the right vantage point.

No geomagnetic storms are expected, which typically increase the strength of the northern lights forecast.

A similar northern lights forecast is expected for Sunday night, according to NOAA, with about 7 states likely to be able to see an aurora.

Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?

Most of Alaska is within the projected view line for the northern lights, according to NOAA, as well as nearly all of Canada. States with the next best shot at seeing the lights include North Dakota and Minnesota, though other states that fall within the “view line”—the point at which the likelihood of seeing the aurora is lowest—include Idaho, Montana, Wisconsin and Michigan.

What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?

The aurora is most active and visible between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, according to NOAA. The best way to view the lights is by avoiding light pollution, traveling as far south as possible and finding a high vantage point.

What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?

Professional travel photographers told National Geographic the best way to get good pictures of the lights is by using a wide-angle lens and a tripod for stability. For iPhone users, the camera app’s night mode can help make the lights more visible. Other tactics that can help produce a better image include using an aperture value of 4.0 or lower and adding details to the image by capturing trees, bodies of water or mountains.

Key Background

The northern lights have been especially active over the past year because of increased solar activity, like geomagnetic storms and solar flares. Scientists say the sun is currently in its “solar maximum,” the period in its 11-year cycle during which it is most active. But this solar maximum has exceeded even scientists’s expectations, and NASA estimated northern lights activity in 2024 reached a 500-year peak. Recent solar activity has produced especially notable aurora displays in states as far south as Florida and Texas. In October, the sun emitted a strong solar flare measured at a level of X9.0, the strongest of the sun’s current cycle so far, producing a strong northern lights forecast. NASA scientists said they expect strong aurora activity to continue throughout this year before declining in the latter part of the decade.