Rare Northern Lights This Thanksgiving: Where to See Them

This Thanksgiving, a rare opportunity awaits skywatchers in the northern United States as the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, may be visible in several states due to a geomagnetic storm. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a geomagnetic disturbance is expected to pull the aurora further south, making the Northern Lights visible to many people who typically wouldn’t see them. This rare event is set to unfold on Thanksgiving night, continuing into Friday. The geomagnetic storm forecast for Thursday night is predicted to have a Kp index of five on a scale of nine, signaling a significant auroral display. The Kp index measures the level of geomagnetic activity, with higher numbers indicating more intense auroras. A Kp index of five means that the auroras will be brighter and more active than usual, making them especially striking for those located in the right areas. NOAA describes the expected auroral activity as “quite pleasing to look at” for those in the affected zones. The rare alignment offers a spectacular light show for skywatchers, as geomagnetic activity from solar events pushes the aurora further south, bringing the phenomenon within reach of a larger population.

This heightened geomagnetic activity is expected to occur as a result of “possible impacts from a filament eruption” that took place on Monday. NASA had previously predicted an uptick in solar flare activity, forecasting up to 16 solar flares and 35 coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun’s surface during this week. These solar events play a crucial role in triggering geomagnetic storms, which in turn cause the Northern Lights to appear. When charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth’s atmosphere, they create colorful auroral displays that are visible in the night sky. If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights this Thanksgiving, your best chance will be in several states in the northern United States. According to NOAA’s aurora forecast, the northern lights may be visible in areas as far south as New York and Vermont, thanks to the geomagnetic storm. The viewing zone includes parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, northern Iowa, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The key factor in determining whether the auroras will be visible is proximity to the Earth’s geomagnetic field. NOAA’s aurora forecast shows a viewing line that outlines the areas where auroras are most likely to appear. While the northern lights are typically seen in places closer to the Arctic, this storm may push them further south, bringing the phenomenon within reach of a larger population. People in these regions should keep an eye on the skies Thursday night and into Friday for the chance to experience this dazzling light display.

To make the most of this rare chance to see the Northern Lights, experts recommend heading to dark locations away from city lights. Light pollution from urban areas can obscure the aurora, so finding a remote or rural area is key. The best viewing times are typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, with the brightest and most active displays often occurring in the late evening hours. When choosing a spot to view the aurora, it’s essential to find a location with an unobstructed view of the northern sky. The auroras are most easily seen when facing north, so look for high ground or open fields where there are no tall trees or buildings blocking your line of sight. Since the Northern Lights can be unpredictable, patience is important, and skywatchers should be prepared to wait for the best views.

For photography enthusiasts, capturing the Northern Lights can be a rewarding challenge. If you’re using a traditional camera, there are a few tips to enhance your chances of getting great shots. Set the camera’s focus to the farthest setting to ensure that the auroras appear sharp and in focus. A wide aperture, such as f/2.8 or lower, allows more light to enter the camera, which is essential for photographing faint light sources like the aurora. A high ISO setting is also recommended, usually between 800 and 1600, depending on the light conditions. It’s also crucial to use a tripod to stabilize your camera during long exposure shots, as the low light will require longer shutter speeds. For those using a smartphone to capture the aurora, the process is slightly different. Many smartphones now feature a “night mode” designed to optimize low-light photography. Make sure to enable this feature before shooting, and if your phone allows, adjust the aperture for the best results. While smartphone cameras may not capture the same level of detail as a traditional camera, they can still produce impressive images of the aurora with the right settings.

The occurrence of auroras is closely linked to the sun’s 11-year solar cycle, which is currently at its maximum phase. The solar cycle, which began in 2019, is marked by increased solar activity, including more solar flares and coronal mass ejections. These solar surges lead to more frequent and vivid auroral displays. As we continue through the peak of this solar cycle, the Northern Lights will become more visible, particularly in areas that typically don’t experience them as often. The aurora’s stunning colors are the result of magnetic reconnection—a process where magnetic fields interact and snap into new shapes, creating bursts of energy that ionize atmospheric gases. The varying colors of the aurora depend on the types of gases involved and the altitude at which the particles collide. For example, green is the most common color and is produced when electrons collide with oxygen at lower altitudes, while red and purple hues are more often associated with higher altitudes. Earlier this year, in May, auroral activity reached a remarkable level, producing the strongest auroras in over 500 years. These intense displays were visible as far south as Arizona, much further than usual. The strong solar activity continues into the winter months, promising more spectacular views for those in the right locations. As solar activity is predicted to persist through 2026, skywatchers can expect even more opportunities to witness the aurora borealis in the coming years.

If you’re in the northern United States this Thanksgiving, make sure to look up and enjoy the rare opportunity to see the Northern Lights. With a geomagnetic storm expected to bring the aurora further south than usual, skywatchers in several states may be treated to an unforgettable display of natural beauty. Whether you’re capturing it with a camera or simply enjoying the spectacle, this Thanksgiving offers a unique chance to experience one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena.