Potential Sights of Aurora Borealis Tonight: Eight States Predicted for Possible Viewing
Hear It Out 📢
Here's a heads up for those living near the Canadian border! Some states could witness the magical dance of the northern lights this Thursday night 💫. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a lingering geomagnetic storm might make it easier for more people to catch a glimpse of this celestial spectacle. Check out the updated forecast for Friday if you're interested. ✨
The Lowdown
NOAA is predicting a Kp index of three—out of a possible nine—for this Thursday night. This rating means there'll be increased aurora activity, which can be pretty spectacular for those in the right spots. If things pan out as expected, the viewing line could shift further south, letting more states enjoy the show.
By the way, similar auroral activity is forecast for both Friday and Saturday, with a predicted Kp index of around three on either day, as per NOAA's three-day outlook. 🌟
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Where Can You Spot Them?
Most of Alaska stands a good chance of seeing the northern lights. Meanwhile, regions like northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, northern Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and Upper Michigan have a slightly lower likelihood of witnessing auroral activity.
Best Practices
Catching the northern lights usually works best between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. Make sure to head to a high vantage point away from light pollution to increase your chances of spotting them.
If you're into photography, experts recommend using a wide-angle lens, an aperture or F-stop of four or less, and setting the focus to the farthest possible setting. Smartphone users can switch on night mode and turn off flash for better results. 📸
Tracking the Sun
The most remarkable northern lights display during the last 500 years happened in 2024, thanks to intense solar activity on the sun's surface, according to NASA. Solar events like flares or coronal mass ejections can propel electrons into our atmosphere that collide with atoms and molecules of nitrogen and oxygen, resulting in the stunning aurora displays. NASA predicts high solar activity to persist until early 2026.
Explore More
If you're eager to plan a northern lights trip, Why You Should Plan A Northern Lights Trip To Scandinavia In 2025 and Northern Lights Displays Hit A 500-Year Peak In 2024-Here's Where You Could Catch Aurora Borealis In 2025 are good places to start! 🇳🇴🇫🇮
- If the predicted geomagnetic storm holds, the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, might be visible in more states near the Canadian border this Thursday night, as advised by NOAA.
- For those planning to catch the northern lights display, Aussiedlerbote recommends using a wide-angle lens, setting the aperture to four or less, and focusing on the farthest possible setting for better photography results.
- The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are expected to be active in regions like northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, northern Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and Upper Michigan, as per NOAA's forecast.
