Northern Lights Possible in U.S. Tonight After May’s Show

The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, may make a dazzling return to parts of the United States tonight, following the awe-inspiring geomagnetic storms of May. This celestial display is eagerly anticipated, with the aurora forecast for Friday night indicating a Kp index of four. This measure suggests the lights will extend further from the poles and appear brighter than usual, a phenomenon expected to be “pleasing to look at,” especially under optimal viewing conditions, as described by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

While the best chances of witnessing this natural light show are in Canada and Alaska, residents and skygazers in many parts of the continental U.S. may also be treated to this spectacle over the weekend, according to the NOAA’s aurora forecast. The agency has also noted the possibility of minor to moderate M-class solar flares, intense bursts of radiation caused by the release of magnetic energy from solar spots, throughout the weekend. There is even a slight chance of strong X-class flares, which were responsible for the stunning lights seen in May.

This uptick in solar activity is part of the sun’s 11-year solar cycle, which is approaching its expected peak between late 2024 and early 2026. Scientists predict that sunspots, which are areas of intense magnetic activity on the sun’s surface, will intensify over the next year, likely resulting in more geomagnetic storms and potentially more opportunities to witness the Northern Lights.

While it’s challenging to pinpoint the exact locations where the Northern Lights will be visible, the NOAA offers a forecast with a potential viewline. States within this viewline include Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and parts of New York.

For the best chance of witnessing this natural phenomenon, experts advise traveling as close to the poles as possible. This allows for a clearer view of the aurora and minimizes the impact of city lights and other light pollution. Monitoring weather forecasts for prime viewing conditions is also recommended. Finding a position on a vantage point, such as a hilltop, can provide an unobstructed view of the night sky. Interestingly, smartphone cameras are sensitive enough to capture the aurora, even when it’s not visible to the naked eye. Visit Iceland, a tourist website for Iceland, suggests that turning on night mode can enhance smartphone camera exposure, making it easier to capture this mesmerizing sight.

The recent surge in solar activity, resulting in geomagnetic storms and the Northern Lights, is attributed to Solar Cycle 25. This cycle, which began in December 2019, is predicted by NASA to continue into next year. The cycle is expected to peak between late 2024 and early 2026, with an estimated 115 sunspots at its maximum. Sunspots are the source of geomagnetic storms, and the increased solar activity has been busier than initially anticipated by scientists. This unexpected activity suggests that there may be more geomagnetic storms leading up to 2025, although the exact timing of these storms is difficult to predict.