Northern lights in US: These 13 states to witness aurora today. Here's how you can maximize your viewing experience

Economic Times

02-06-2025

Northern Lights to be visible in US
Live Events
US states that could see auroras tonight and over the weekend:
Aurora forecast and viewing tips
When to see the northern lights
How to photograph the northern lights
How to maximize your aurora viewing experience
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Sky gazers get ready! The northern lights are expected to put on a breathtaking show over parts of the US due to a powerful geomagnetic storm hitting Earth. The northern lights may be may be visible from 13 US states on Monday, June 2 through Tuesday, June 3, 2025, after a G1 geomagnetic storm was forecast by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, reports The Forbes.Earth is currently being buffeted by high-speed solar wind, which is putting pressure on our planet's magnetic field and fueling the storm — and this could be an excellent opportunity for anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of the northern lights.The storm intensified to "severe" strength early Sunday morning, powerful enough to push the glowing aurora borealis farther south than usual — potentially illuminating skies from Michigan and Washington State all the way to Northern California and even Alabama, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 'This is going to be a great night to view the lights where skies are clear,' Shawn Dahl, a coordinator at NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, told the New York Times.According to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, a geomagnetic storm may brew and lead to a rare display of the Northern Lights. It comes in the wake of an 'extreme' G5 geomagnetic storm last weekend that saw aurora borealis seen from as far south as California.As Earth approaches the solstice on June 21, the US is currently one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. Space weather forecasters are forecasting strong (G3) geomagnetic storm conditions with the possibility of severe (G4) conditions thanks to both elevated solar winds and an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME), according to Space.Com Just days ago, a surprise G3 storm on May 28 triggered auroras in 17 U.S. States and even as far south as Italy. That G3 storm had originally been forecast to only reach G1 levels.According to the agency's three-day forecast, a geomagnetic storm rated G1 on the G1–G5 scale could occur from Monday night into Tuesday morning across North America.NOAA's aurora visibility maps indicate that northern U.S. states and parts of Canada may see aurora displays. Residents in 13 U.S. states have a chance of spotting the aurora along the northern horizon, with the highest likelihood near the U.S.-Canada border.AlaskaMontanaNorth DakotaMinnesotaWisconsinMichiganSouth DakotaVermontNew HampshireMaineIdahoWashingtonOregonNew YorkMassachusettsNebraskaIowaWyomingIllinoisConnecticutAccording to the latest forecast from NOAA, the Kp index — a measure of geomagnetic activity and aurora intensity — may reach a level of 5. This level corresponds to a G1-class geomagnetic storm and means the auroral oval could extend farther south than usual. At Kp levels between 3 and 5, 'the aurora will move further from the poles, become brighter, and display more activity in terms of motion and formations,' NOAA states. 'In the right location, these auroras can be a stunning sight.'For context, the powerful geomagnetic storm on May 10, 2024, reached a Kp index of 9 and was classified as a G5 event — the highest category. It resulted in aurora sightings as far south as Florida and was the strongest storm of its kind since 2003.While the current forecast suggests aurora activity may be visible from Monday night into Tuesday morning across parts of North America, actual visibility depends on real-time data. That information comes from NASA's DSCOVR and ACE satellites, which orbit the sun about a million miles from Earth. They provide around 30 minutes of warning before auroras appear, by detecting changes in solar wind speed and magnetic field strength.Modern smartphones with a 'Night Mode' feature are more than capable of capturing impressive images of the aurora. Here are three tips to get the best results:Use the main camera lens rather than the ultra-wide lens, which typically has lower image quality.Stabilize your phone using a tripod or a solid surface like a fencepost or your car roof to avoid blur during long exposures (typically 5–10 seconds).Shoot in RAW format if your camera app allows it, which gives you more flexibility for editing afterward.Planning to go aurora-hunting? Here's how to improve your chances of catching an unforgettable show:Head for the dark and high ground: Find a spot far from city lights—think parks, remote trails, or elevated lookouts. The darker and higher, the better.Watch the weather: Clear skies are essential. Don't let clouds ruin your night—check the forecast before you go.Time it right: The best viewing window is usually between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. Arrive too early or leave too soon, and you might miss the magic.Come prepared: The aurora can be unpredictable. Pack warm layers, a cozy blanket, hot drinks, and some snacks to stay comfortable while you wait.Be patient: Sometimes the lights appear in an instant; other times, they take their time. Relax, enjoy the moment, and let nature do its thing.