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Northern lights may be visible in 14 US states tonight, June 25, as a G2 geomagnetic storm pushes the aurora south. NOAA says peak viewing is around 1 a.m., with best chances in Alaska, the northern Plains, and in New York and Maine.
Skywatchers across the northern US could be in for a celestial treat on Tuesday night (June 24) and Wednesday night (June 25), as the aurora borealis — commonly known as the northern lights — may make a rare appearance across more than a dozen states.
According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), a stream of solar wind from a coronal hole on the Sun is expected to trigger G1 to G2 (Minor to Moderate) geomagnetic storms. These storms could push the auroral oval farther south than usual, allowing Americans in states well below the Canadian border to potentially catch a glimpse of the dancing lights.
Peak viewing time: 1 a.m. local
The best time to observe the auroras will be around 1 a.m. local time, when skies are at their darkest. Observers are encouraged to head away from city lights and look toward the northern horizon for the best chance of spotting the phenomenon.
States with the best viewing potential
NOAA's latest forecast indicates that 14 US states, along with most of Canada, fall within or just below the predicted aurora view line. These states, ranked roughly by viewing likelihood based on proximity to the auroral oval, include: Alaska, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Maine, Michigan, Wisconsin, Vermont, New Hampshire, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, New York, and South Dakota.
While Alaska has the highest probability of a full light show, residents in northern parts of New York, Oregon, and South Dakota may also catch the aurora glowing faintly along the horizon.
Kp Index at 5.67: What it means
The aurora forecast is based on the Kp index, which measures geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0 to 9. The index is forecast to peak at 5.67 tonight, putting it firmly in G2-level storm territory. This level of activity typically brings auroras well into the northern US and southern Canada.
Viewing tips
Find a location with a clear view of the northern sky
Stay away from city lights and urban glow
Be patient — auroras can come in waves or flicker unexpectedly
Bring a tripod if photographing, and set long exposures
Unpredictable but magical
Auroras can be highly unpredictable. Even under ideal conditions, they may appear faint, arrive later than expected, or skip entire regions. They may stretch farther south than forecasted, surprising observers in unexpected places.
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