Northern Lights Forecast: Aurora Borealis Could Be Seen In These States Tonight As Solar Activity Escalates
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A selection of states in the northern U.S. could have an opportunity to see the northern lights on Friday, and it’s possible auroral activity could increase into the new year, according to forecasts from NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
NOAA forecast a Kp index of three on a scale of nine for Friday night, suggesting heightened auroral activity further south from the North Pole that can be “quite pleasing to look at” for those in the right areas.
Auroral activity will likely weaken through the weekend, though Friday night’s forecast could increase and cause the phenomenon to be more visible to more people, according to NOAA’s three-day forecast.
Geomagnetic activity is also expected to ramp up over the next couple of years, with a potential peak in late 2025 before peaking again in 2027 and 2028, according to NASA.
The northern lights have a higher chance of being seen across northern Canada and Alaska, with a view line—marking a minimal opportunity—sweeping below the Canadian border. Parts of northern Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota and Upper Michigan have a low likelihood of seeing the phenomenon, while areas in northeastern Washington, northern Idaho and Wisconsin have an even lower chance. (See viewing line below.)
What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?
The northern lights are best seen between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time while at a high vantage point away from light pollution, according to NOAA. Aurora borealis does not need to be directly overhead to be observed, NOAA said, and could be seen from as much as 620 miles away if conditions are right.
What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?
Auroral activity may not be visible to the naked eye, but a camera using the right settings can capture the event if it’s on stable ground, National Geographic reported. If using a regular camera, a wide-angle lens, high ISO value and focus set to the farthest possible setting will be able to photograph the phenomenon. Using night mode on a smartphone is recommended, according to Iceland’s tourism website, and using the phone camera’s built-in camera can better capture auroral activity as it moves in the night sky.
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