Aurora Borealis forecast: Northern Lights could illuminate skies across 14 US states on June 24-25. Learn when, where, and how to catch this rare celestial event.
Skywatchers in the northern United States are in for a rare and breathtaking treat this week as the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is expected to make a stunning appearance across several states. The phenomenon is usually reserved for high-latitude regions like Alaska or Canada, but due to incoming solar activity, Americans farther south could witness this spectacular natural light show.
Let’s break down what’s causing it, where to look, and when you’ll have the best chance to see the magical glow.
Why Are We Seeing the Aurora Borealis in the US?
The Aurora Borealis is set to appear in parts of the United States thanks to a solar wind stream headed toward Earth. This stream is being emitted from a large coronal hole in the Sun’s atmosphere — an area where the Sun’s magnetic field opens up and releases charged particles at high speed.
According to the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), this event is expected to trigger G1 to G2-level geomagnetic storms. These moderate storms can expand the auroral oval (the region around the magnetic poles where auroras occur) farther south than usual — allowing more US states to be within visibility range.
Peak Viewing Time: Set Your Alarms!
The best time to catch the Aurora Borealis will be around 1 a.m. local time. This is when skies are at their darkest and light pollution is at a minimum.
To improve your chances:
- Head away from city lights
- Find a clear northern view
- Be patient — auroras can flicker on and off
- Bring a camera and tripod for long-exposure shots
Where Will the Northern Lights Be Visible?
The NOAA forecast has pinpointed around 14 US states that may fall under the aurora visibility line. These include:
- Alaska
- Minnesota
- North Dakota
- Montana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Wisconsin
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Washington
- Oregon
- Idaho
- New York
- South Dakota
While Alaska has the highest chance of a full-fledged aurora display, residents in northern New York, Oregon, and South Dakota may also witness faint green or reddish glows along the horizon.
Note: Auroras can stretch farther south than expected, meaning additional states might get a surprise show!
What Is the Kp Index and Why Does It Matter?
The Kp Index measures geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0 (quiet) to 9 (severe storm). Tonight, the index is forecasted to peak at 5.67, placing it within G2 storm level territory.
- Kp 5+ means auroras could be visible in the northern US.
- Higher Kp values = auroras visible farther south.
So a Kp of 5.67 means Americans who usually don’t see auroras might get a once-in-a-lifetime view — weather permitting!
Why Do the Northern Lights Have Different Colors?
The Aurora Borealis isn’t just green — although green is the most common color. The hues depend on which gases the solar particles collide with and how high in the atmosphere these interactions happen:
- Green – Most frequent; caused by oxygen 100–300 km above Earth.
- Red – Rare; also from oxygen, but at higher altitudes.
- Blue & Purple – From nitrogen molecules.
- Pink – A mix of red and blue components, sometimes seen during strong auroras.
Each display is unique, with swirls, arcs, and waves of light shifting across the sky.
What Causes the Aurora Borealis?
The northern lights occur when charged solar particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field and upper atmosphere. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Solar Wind Ejection:
The Sun constantly emits a stream of charged particles (electrons and protons) called the solar wind. - Magnetic Field Interaction:
These particles hit Earth’s magnetosphere. Most are deflected, but some funnel toward the magnetic poles. - Atmospheric Collisions:
The solar particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the upper atmosphere, exciting them. - Energy Release:
When these excited atoms return to their normal state, they release photons, which appear as light in the sky — the Aurora Borealis.
Tips for Aurora Viewing
Want to make the most of this rare US sighting of the Aurora Borealis? Keep these tips in mind:
- Get away from city lights: Rural areas offer the darkest skies.
- Look north: Most auroras appear in the northern part of the sky.
- Use apps or forecasts: Tools like NOAA’s Aurora Forecast, AuroraWatch, or Spaceweather.com can give real-time data.
- Dress warm and bring a blanket or chair: You might be outside for a while!
- Try long exposure photography: Your camera might capture more color than your eyes can see.
When Is the Aurora Borealis Happening?
This round of geomagnetic activity is expected to peak between June 24 and June 25, especially during late night to early morning hours.
The exact timing may vary by location, but watching after dark until around 2 a.m. gives you the best chance of catching the glow.
Unpredictable but Magical
Despite all the forecasts, auroras remain unpredictable. Factors like cloud cover, atmospheric conditions, and solar wind speed all impact visibility. Sometimes they appear more dramatically than forecasted — and sometimes not at all.
The Aurora borealis is being seen across the United States!
— LilHumansBigImpact (@BigImpactHumans) May 11, 2024
Go outside and see if you can catch a glimpse! pic.twitter.com/vS9oL9pOqp
Still, when they do show up, they’re a sight to behold — glowing, flickering ribbons of light that look like they’re dancing across the stars.
So even if your area has just a small chance, it’s worth stepping outside and looking north. Nature might surprise you.
This week offers a rare opportunity for millions of Americans to experience the Aurora Borealis — a natural phenomenon that many travel thousands of miles to see. With the Kp index forecast above 5 and geomagnetic storms on the rise, it’s the perfect time to get outside, look up, and enjoy the universe’s most stunning light show.
For those living in the continental US, moments like this don’t come often. The Aurora Borealis is typically reserved for the Arctic Circle, but geomagnetic activity this week is giving millions a chance to witness it from their own backyards. Whether you’re an experienced stargazer or a curious first-timer, don’t miss this chance to look up and witness one of nature’s greatest light displays.
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