Topline
Cascades of blue, red and green were cast across the U.S. Thursday night as a geomagnetic storm pushed the aurora borealis farther south, an event forecasters said was one of the strongest in decades. (See forecast for Friday night).
Forecasters predicted one of the most powerful geomagnetic storms in decades, pushing the northern … [+]
Key Facts
The NOAA forecast a KP index of eight—higher than the average forecast of four or five—for Thursday, an event causing the northern lights to move toward the equator and become “very bright and active,” with viewers capable of seeing the “best aurora.”
A stronger northern lights forecast came amid a severe geomagnetic storm watch issued by NOAA, the first issued by the agency in nearly 20 years, cautioning possible disruption to critical infrastructure while noting the aurora borealis could be seen as far south as Alabama.
Solar activity has increased in recent months as the sun’s 11-year cycle—Solar Cycle 25—approaches an expected peak between late 2024 and early 2026, according to NASA.
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The northern lights over the New York City skyline.
The night sky in Wisconsin glows.
The northern lights shine in Wisconsin.
Northern lights illuminate the sky in Alaska.
The northern lights over White Lake, North Carolina.
Aurora borealis over the Vecht river in Overijssel, on October 10 in Dalfsen, The Netherlands.
Aurora borealis seen over England’s eastern coast.
Northern lights around a windmill in Buckinghamshire, England.
Northern lights brighten up the skies across the U.K.
An aurora borealis tints the sky red and green above the Pontusval lighthouse in Brignogan, North … [+]
Where Could The Northern Lights Be Seen Tonight?
Parts of the northern U.S. will have a chance of seeing the aurora, according to NOAA, including Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota and Wisconsin, while those in Alaska and Canada will have a higher likelihood of viewing the phenomenon.
