Topline
Some states will have a chance to see the northern lights Tuesday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, after a recent solar flare produced geomagnetic storms, bringing the colorful phenomenon to more people.
Multiple “strong” geomagnetic storms have brought the phenomenon to more people recently.
Key Facts
NOAA forecast auroral activity with a Kp index of three on a scale of nine for Monday night, suggesting the aurora borealis will be more active and be seen farther away from the poles.
The northern lights will likely be more active Wednesday night because of “minor” geomagnetic storms produced by a cooler, less dense spot on the sun’s surface, with an expected Kp index of five, according to NOAA’s three-day forecast.
Tuesday night’s northern lights forecast is weaker than NOAA’s recent projections, after a “strong” geomagnetic storm was expected to bring auroral displays to about 21 states late Monday, as the lights were likely visible in states along the Canadian border.
A stronger aurora borealis forecast for Monday followed a solar flare emitted from the sun Friday, according to NOAA.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?
A view line marking a minimal opportunity to see the northern lights sweeps just below the Canadian border, with a lower likelihood forecast for parts of northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. A higher chance to see the swirling northern lights displays is expected across northern Canada and Alaska. (See map below.)
Tuesday’s view line.
Where Were The Northern Lights Visible Monday Night?
The northern lights were forecast as far south as southern Nebraska and just north of Missouri, after the NOAA projected a Kp index of seven for Monday night. Several other states were also forecast with a higher chance to see the northern lights, including Oregon, Wyoming, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Massachusetts, among others.
What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?
NOAA recommends traveling to an unobstructed, high vantage point away from light pollution and facing north between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. The agency noted the best seasons to see auroral activity are between the spring and fall equinoxes.
What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?
With a smartphone, NASA suggests turning on night mode, enabling long exposure times and using a tripod to maintain a steady image. Photography experts told National Geographic that, with a regular camera, a wide-angle lens, an aperture or F-stop of four or less and a tripod are recommended.
Key Background
NOAA and NASA expect the northern lights to be more visible into early 2026, after the sun’s 11-year cycle achieved a “solar maximum” in 2024. This peak increases the rate of solar flares, coronal mass ejections and other solar events, each of which is responsible for producing the northern lights. Electrons from these events collide with oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing them to become “excited” before releasing energy in the form of colorful, swirling lights.
