Topline
Strong geomagnetic storms could produce a northern lights show in about 15 states Monday night, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast, as a solar flare observed over the weekend has triggered powerful displays of aurora borealis.
The northern lights may be visible in more than a dozen states Monday night. (Photo by Patrick … More
Key Facts
NOAA forecast Monday night’s aurora borealis could have a Kp index of five, the strength of the aurora borealis measured on a scale from zero to nine, indicating “more auroral activity” that can be “quite pleasing to look at.”
The northern lights are expected to be active Monday night because of strong geomagnetic storms, which NOAA forecasts will reach a level of G3 on a scale of G1 to G5, indicating “strong” geomagnetic storms that will disturb the Earth’s magnetic field.
These geomagnetic storms are linked to an Earth-bound solar flare that was emitted Friday, according to NOAA, which caused geomagnetic storms measured at a level of G4 on Sunday, indicating “severe” strength.
Sunday night’s northern lights forecast was especially strong, according to NOAA, with visibility projected for nearly two dozen states.
Strong northern lights conditions will continue this week, according to NOAA’s three-day forecast, as lingering geomagnetic storms are expected Tuesday before decreasing in strength.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible Tonight?
Alaskans and Canadians have the highest likelihood of seeing aurora borealis Monday night, according to NOAA’s forecast. Other states with strong chances of seeing the northern lights include Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. States included along the aurora’s “view line,” the southernmost point at which likelihood of seeing the northern lights is the lowest, include Wyoming, Iowa, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.
Monday night’s northern lights forecast.
What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?
The northern lights will be easiest to see between about 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, according to NOAA. The best way to view the lights is by avoiding light pollution, traveling as far north as possible and finding a high vantage point.
What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?
Travel photographers told National Geographic the best way to capture the northern lights is by using a wide-angle lens, as well as a tripod for stability. For iPhone users, the camera app’s night mode can help make the lights more visible. Other tactics that can help produce a better image include using an aperture value of 4.0 or lower and adding details to the image by capturing trees, bodies of water or mountains.
Key Background
The northern lights have been especially active over the past year because of increased solar activity, like geomagnetic storms and solar flares. NOAA said although this weekend’s flare was especially strong, scientists do not expect geomagnetic storms associated with the flare to be as strong as in May 2024, when a series of powerful solar flares triggered severe geomagnetic storms and northern lights displays as far south as Florida. Scientists say the sun is currently in its “solar maximum,” the period in its 11-year cycle during which it is most active, though this solar cycle has exceeded scientists’ expectations: NASA estimated northern lights activity in 2024 reached a 500-year peak. NASA scientists said they expect strong aurora activity to continue throughout this year before declining in the latter part of the decade.
