Topline
A large chunk of northern U.S. states will have a low to high likelihood of getting a glimpse at the Northern Lights on Thursday night, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast, which predicts a strong showing of the natural phenomenon amid a potentially severe geomagnetic storm.
Northern lights in Alaska. (Photo by Hasan Akbas /Anadolu via Getty Images)
Key Facts
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts a KP index of eight Thursday night, meaning the aurora borealis is expected to be bright and active.
The agency considers the event will “create the best aurora and the extended auroral oval will be observable” by a high number of people.
A severe geomagnetic storm watch is also in effect for Thursday, one capable of pushing the aurora viewing line further south in addition to potentially interrupting radios and satellite navigation.
The viewing line is forecast to reach as low as the southern edge of Nebraska, though the farther north people are from the line, the better the chance they have at seeing the Northern Lights.
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Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible Thursday Night?
Regions and states such as northeast Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin are forecast to have a high likelihood of seeing the aurora. The central and southern parts of those states have a lower likelihood of seeing the phenomenon, with states such as Wyoming, South Dakota and northern Iowa having about the same chance.
Thursday’s viewing line.
How Do You See The Northern Lights?
The best aurora can typically be viewed between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. in areas featuring little to no light pollution and clear skies. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also encourages aurora viewers to watch from a vantage point such as a hill.
How Do You Photograph The Lights?
Low shutter speeds and night mode will be crucial for those attempting to take photos of the aurora with their smartphones.
Key Background
Should Thursday night’s forecast prove accurate, viewers in the northern U.S. will get one of the best chances at seeing the Northern Lights in the last few months, when KP indexes of four or five were usually forecast. Luckily, for those who miss out on the aurora this time around, solar activity is expected to increase as the peak of Solar Cycle 25 should arrive between late 2024 and early 2026. The cycle can create a jump in sunspots and geomagnetic storms that could contribute to stronger aurora forecasts.
Further Reading
In Photos: Northern Lights Seen Across The World And In 30 U.S States (Forbes)
