Northern lights in the US: When and where to catch the Aurora Borealis this year

Time of India

2 days ago

Hey there, sky gazers! If you've ever dreamed of witnessing the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights, you're in luck. Thanks to a powerful geomagnetic storm, the aurora borealis is lighting up the night sky across much of the United States.
This rare event is offering a chance to see the lights much farther south than usual. So, grab your warmest jacket and a thermos of cocoa—here's where to catch the show.
Aurora alert
On June 1, 2025, a severe geomagnetic storm (level G4 out of 5) will hit Earth, triggered by a massive coronal mass ejection from the sun. This storm has disturbed Earth's magnetic field, causing the aurora to be visible much farther south than usual. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a "severe geomagnetic storm watch," indicating a high probability of visible auroras.
Where can one see the Northern lights
Normally, the aurora keeps to its usual hangout spots up near the Arctic. But not this time. This storm has stretched its reach big time, and people all across the U.S. are catching rare glimpses.
Here's where you've got a solid shot at seeing them:
Pacific Northwest
Washington, Oregon, and even Northern California are lighting up—literally. If you're near Mount Rainier or Crater Lake, don't miss it.
Midwest
Folks in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan have already reported seeing the sky do its neon dance. You might catch those green and purple ribbons from your own backyard!
Northern California
Yep, the Bay Area is glowing again! That's two years in a row now. Maybe NorCal's secretly the new aurora capital?
Mid-Atlantic & Ohio Valley
Even in spots like Virginia and Ohio, the skies have stayed clear enough for some lucky viewers to catch the lights.
Shenandoah and Wayne National Forest are great picks if you're in that area.
How to maximize your viewing experience
If you're gonna go aurora-hunting, here's how to boost your chances of a killer view:
Go dark and high: Find a place far from city lights—parks, nature preserves, hills—anywhere that's dark and elevated.
Check the weather: No one wants to get hyped for auroras just to see clouds. Clear skies only, please.
Timing matters: Your best bet is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. Don't show up too early or pack it in too soon.
Pack snacks & be chill: Sometimes the aurora makes a grand entrance, sometimes she's fashionably late. Bring a blanket, some hot drinks, and make a night of it.
Be patient: Aurora displays can be brief. Bring a blanket, some snacks, and enjoy the wait.
The breathtaking view
Every aurora looks a little different. The colors and shapes you'll see depend on where you are and how strong the storm is. If you're farther south, you're more likely to see red glows instead of the classic green. And the lights might move slower or be a bit dimmer—but hey, they're still magical.
Oh, and here's a pro tip: even if your eyes don't catch much, your phone camera might. Set it to night mode and let it work its magic. Some people have spotted auroras in their photos when they couldn't see them in real life!