Topline
A number of states across the northern U.S. may catch a glimpse of the northern lights Sunday night into Monday morning, according to a forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The northern lights illuminate the sky over Anchorage, Alaska, early Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024.
Key Facts
The aurora borealis forecast for Sunday night has a Kp index of three on a scale of nine, meaning the aurora “will become brighter and there will be more auroral activity,” like motion and formations, visible if you are in the right place, according to NOAA.
The appearance of the northern lights come from geomagnetic activity, which can lead to the collision of ions with atmospheric gasses from Earth and create auroral displays.
Solar activity has been busy in recent months as the sun’s 11-year solar cycle nears its peak—which is anticipated between late 2024 and early 2026—and sunspots are expected to continue intensifying.
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
Where Will The Aurora Be Visible From?
NOAA predicted the northern lights may be visible from the northeast corner of Washington, the northern tip of Idaho, parts of Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, and North Dakota on Sunday night.
Forecast for the northern lights on Sept. 29, 2024.
What Is The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?
The northern lights are best seen away from city lights in a dark location, between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. NOAA says it helps viewing to have a good vantage point, like being on top of a hill, and to have an unobstructed view toward the north.
Key Background
The sun’s current solar cycle—Solar Cycle 25—began in December 2019 and is expected to peak in 2026 with 115 sunspots (areas where geomagnetic storms originate). The peak hasn’t occurred, but the lead up to it has been busier than scientists anticipated, so it’s possible there are more geomagnetic storms leading up to the peak. It’s difficult to predict exactly when these storms will occur, though. Last week, NOAA issued a minor geomagnetic storm watch warning the northern lights would be visible in a number of northern and midwestern states.
Tangent
Later this week, some people in the right view line will see a “ring of fire” eclipse. On Wednesday, the moon will pass in front of the sun, creating a solar eclipse, according to NASA. The “ring of fire” eclipse will be visible from just two countries—Chile and Argentina—and a partial solar eclipse will be visible from parts of Mexico, Hawaii, Fiji, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil and the Falkland Islands.
