In May 2024, millions across the United States were treated to a rare and breathtaking display of the aurora borealis, or northern lights, with vibrant colors illuminating skies far south of their usual range. The spectacle left many people captivated and eager for another chance to witness this natural wonder. Now, with the sun currently at its "solar maximum"—the peak of an 11-year cycle of heightened solar activity—there is renewed hope for another widespread auroral event. The latest forecasts suggest that another impressive display of northern lights could be visible across a significant portion of the U.S.
Late Thursday night and into the early hours of Friday morning, a moderately strong geomagnetic storm is expected to interact with Earth’s magnetic field. This event, according to predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), could make the aurora borealis visible in 21 states. The states with the best chances include those in the far north: Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin. Other states where the aurora may be visible—particularly from high vantage points facing north—include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, and Vermont. Residents of Alaska and Canada are expected to have the most favorable viewing conditions, given their higher latitudes and typically clearer views of auroral activity.
It is important to note that these predictions are not guarantees. The strength and visibility of the aurora can fluctuate, depending on the intensity of the magnetic storm and local atmospheric conditions. If you live just south of the predicted viewing area, it may still be worthwhile to check the sky, as auroral activity occasionally extends farther than expected during particularly strong storms.
This current geomagnetic storm is actually a continuation of a system that impacted the U.S. the previous Wednesday night. Initially, NOAA classified that storm as a G2 (moderately strong) magnetic storm, but it was later upgraded to a G3, indicating a more powerful event. Both the earlier and upcoming storms are the result of two substantial X-class coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that erupted from the sun on November 4. X-class CMEs are the strongest category of solar eruptions, involving massive bursts of solar material and magnetic energy hurled into space. When these ejections are directed toward Earth, they can significantly disturb the planet’s magnetic field and trigger the auroras.
For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the aurora, a few key strategies can improve your chances. First, seek out a location far from city lights and suburban glow to minimize light pollution, which can obscure the faint colors of the northern lights. The further north you are, the better your odds, but even those in the southern parts of the prediction zone might see auroral activity if they can find a high vantage point and an unobstructed view of the northern horizon. Remember to allow your eyes to adjust