Aurora Borealis Warning: 10 American States Stand a Chancing Possibility to See Northern Lights Tonight Due to Geomagnetic Storm

Prime Highlights:

Some regions’ northern lights today can be induced by a moderate geomagnetic storm.

NOAA is forecasting intense aurora activity that will reach as far south as its usual latitude.

Key Facts

NOAA is forecasting a Kp index of 6, i.e., intense solar activity.

Aurora can be seen in northern states such as Montana, Michigan, and Maine.

Maximum visibility between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. over rural dark places.

Key Background :

Aurora borealis, also known as northern lights, could light up nights across much of the northern United States tonight when geomagnetic activity picks up. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted a Kp index of 6, or a moderate geomagnetic storm is in effect. This type of solar activity occurs due to an open patch on the sun creating high-speed solar wind en route to Earth and into impact with the magnetic field of the planet.

It is capable of getting charged particles to cause the gases in the atmosphere to interact and produce the auroral resplendent colors of the breathtaking phenomenon. These generally remain the province of the regions near the Arctic Circle, but during periods of intense geomagnetic activity such as the current night, they descend even to the equator.

Best viewing will be observed in Alaska, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine and New York in the north. It also varies depending on local weather and light pollution. Clear skies and black night skies will offer the best view.

The sun is now heading toward the height of its 11-year solar cycle, or solar maximum. The sun emits more solar flares and coronal mass ejections during this time, which increase the frequency and intensity of geomagnetic storms to happen more frequently and strongly. It was one of the brightest aurorae light displays in the last few decades with light seen as far south as Florida and Texas in 2024 from an unusually intense solar event.

If they want to see the aurora tonight, the observers will have to venture out sometime between 10 p.m. local time and wait there until about 2 a.m. Aurora photographers have been instructed to take a wide-angle lens camera and high exposure. Under perfect conditions, tens of millions of residents in the northern United States may have an unprecedented night of viewing tonight.