These U.S. states could see the Northern Lights tonight
Another round of geomagnetic activity means the Northern Lights might once again make a surprise appearance tonight, June 3, in several American states. After two powerful coronal mass ejections (CMEs) slammed into Earth's magnetic field over the weekend, auroras lit up skies around the world, and the show's not over just yet.
Forecasters at the U.K. Met Office say there's still a slight chance of a strong geomagnetic storm tonight, though minor to moderate conditions is more likely. The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center expects the Kp index (a measurement of geomagnetic activity) to peak at 4.67—strong enough to potentially push auroras farther south than usual.
Alaska remains the best bet for skywatchers in the U.S., but if geomagnetic activity ramps up again, Northern Lights could stretch as far south as Illinois and Oregon. NOAA lists 13 U.S. states that are either fully or partially within the auroral viewing zone. Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana and North Dakota are the most promising.
But don't make any major travel plans: auroras are famously unpredictable. They can flare unexpectedly or fade without a trace. Cloud cover, light pollution and local weather will also play a role. Check NOAA's 3-day aurora forecast for real-time updates before you head out.
Bottom line? If you're anywhere near the auroral oval tonight, keep an eye on the sky (and, ideally, seek out a north-facing vantage point far from urban light pollution for the best view). Even if the odds are slim, the payoff could be a jaw-dropping celestial show!
13 U.S. states that could see auroras tonight
1. Alaska
2. Minnesota
3. North Dakota
4. Montana
5. Wisconsin
6. Michigan (Upper Peninsula)
7. South Dakota
8. Maine
9. Vermont
10. New Hampshire
11. Idaho
12. Washington
13. Oregon
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Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Telegraph
The ultimate guide to summer in Iceland, land of the midnight sun
Famed for its breathtakingly unique landscapes – geysers and glaciers galore, plus winding fjords, lunar lava fields and fiery volcanoes – as well as a burgeoning foodie scene and fascinating cultural heritage, Iceland is a perpetually attractive destination. This year, there are more reasons than ever to visit, as well as to explore outside the capital. One major draw is the emergence of increased solar activity – the Solar Maximum – that makes 2025 a premium year for viewing the Northern Lights. But there are also a slew of new openings and attractions around the country that are best enjoyed outside of the darker winter months. Up in the north, Iceland's second largest city, Akureyri, has constructed a new airport terminal to facilitate the growing demand for direct flights from Europe, while the nearby Mývatn Nature Baths is building new facilities this year. Over in the Eastfjords, the village of Seyðisfjörður is busy constructing a dramatically beautiful cliff-edge viewing platform shaped like a Viking ring, and southern Iceland has discovered a new ice cave on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. A new luxury lagoon named Árböðin (The River Baths), designed by acclaimed architectural firm is set to open in the Golden Circle area, and there's now a 745-mile touring route exploring the country's fiery side called the Volcanic Way, which passes through 17 towns and villages in South Iceland and the Reykjanes peninsula. Plus fabulous new hotels help to make remote places more accessible (and luxurious): the dapper Hotel Blönduós and Höfði Lodge in the north, Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll deep in the country's interior, the charming Dalahótel in the West fjords. All you need to do is pack your bags and book your flight. Day 1: Reykjavik Museums and galleries, bars and bistros Spend the first day exploring the country's compact but buzzy capital. Prepare for the trip ahead with an overview of Icelandic history at the National Museum of Iceland and its majestic natural world at Museum Perlan. Snap some panoramic views of the city from the tower of Hallgrímskirkja, enjoy local art at the National Gallery of Iceland or Reykjavík Art Museum, and stroll the charming harbour and promenade to take in some sea air before enjoying a concert at Harpa. There are endless options for foodies in Reykjavík: sip local craft brews at Kaldi, enjoy French wines and sharing plates at Apéro, or indulge in Michelin-starred dining at ÓX. For more excellent options, see our guides to the best restaurants and bars in Reykjavík. Where to stay Center Hotel's swish Grandi has doubles from £260. But if you want to splash, the Reykjavík Edition – the country's only five-star – has doubles from £560. Day 2: Snaefellsnes Peninsula Sagas, spas and serene nature Borgarnes lies just an hour or two out of Reykjavík, serving as a gateway to beautiful West Iceland as well as a heartland for Iceland's Viking past. Visit the town's Settlement Centre to learn about the latter (including the Sagas) before hopping to nearby Reykholt, where you can learn about twelfth-century poet and historian Snorri Sturluson and enjoy a dip and some lunch in the geothermal Krauma spa. Head back west, stopping off for a hike up and around Eldborg crater if you feel like stretching your legs, then take Road 54 around the scenic Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Highlights include the Snæfellsjökull National Park, whose photogenic glacier inspired Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth, the picturesque villages of Arnarstapi and Ólafsvík, the black-pebble beach at Djúpalónssandur, and cone-shaped Kirkjufell – 'Arrowhead Mountain' to Game of Thrones fans. Arrive in pretty Stykkishólmur in time for a tasty seafood dinner at Sjávarpakkhúsið. Where to stay The small but charming Hotel Egilsen has doubles from £262. Day 3: Isafjordur and the Westfjords Red-sand beaches, bird cliffs and fishing villages Don't leave before enjoying Stykkishólmur's picturesque harbour and views over Breiðafjörður Bay; there's also a local heritage museum and the enigmatic Library of Water if you have time. When you're done, board the car ferry over to Brjánslækur to reach the remote Westfjords. Head west to take in some of its most strikingly wild scenery, including the 10-kilometre red-sand beach Rauðisandur and the Látrabjarg cliffs, home to millions of birds spanning puffins, guillemots and razorbills. Drive back east and then north towards the regional capital of Isafjordur, stopping off for snacks and snaps at charming villages such as Þingeyri and Flateyri; the Osvör Maritime Museum offers interesting insights into local fishing history. In Ísafjörður, enjoy a wonderful catch of the day at the rustic Tjöruhúsið. Where to stay Isafjörður Hotels operates several hotels in the centre; doubles from £290. Day 4: The North Magic, seal-spotting and the Vatnsdalur Valley After breakfast, enjoy Isafjordur's mountain and harbour vistas and the Westfjords Heritage Museum. Grab soup and a grilled cheese slice at Heimabyggð before hitting the road to North Iceland. Stop at Hólmavík, where the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft has an overview of ancient magical practices and traditions. Continue on to Hvammstangi, where you can learn about seals at the local Seal Center and have lunch upstairs at Sjávarborg. Afterwards, take your time to walk among the beautiful waterfalls of the Kolugljúfur canyon and enjoy the scenery of the Vatnsdalur valley, where one of the Viking Sagas was set. As you approach Blönduós, keep your eyes peeled for seals along the Hunafloi Bay. Where to stay The dapper Hotel Blönduós has doubles from £260 and a good restaurant. Day 5: Trollaskagi Peninsula and Akureyri Turf houses, fjords and sushi Not far from Blonduos lies the small town of Glaumbaer, where you can see some preserved turf houses, while the lovely village of Hólar boasts the oldest stone church in Iceland. Follow Road 76 around the striking TröllaskagiPeninsula (Troll Peninsula), a dramatically beautiful mix of valleys, fjords and mountains. Stop at Siglufjörður, a former fishing town, to admire the old wooden houses and have lunch at Torgið. A bit more driving along more picturesque fjords will bring you to the capital of the north, Akureyri, tucked atmospherically into the bottom of the Eyjafjörður fjord. Spend the remainder of the day exploring its pretty churches, art galleries and botanical gardens. For dinner, Rub23 has excellent Icelandic fish, lamb, and beef dishes – and some of the best sushi in the country, served with the restaurant's own locally-grown wasabi. Where to stay Akureyri - Berjaya Iceland Hotels has doubles from £225. Day 6: Husavik and Myvatn Whale-watching, waterfalls and geothermal hikes After Akureyri, head east to majestic Godafoss (the 'Waterfall of the Gods') and then north to Húsavík, famed for its whale-watching tours: if you're lucky you might spot humpbacks, minke, orcas or dolphins. Lunch at Gamli Baukur, which overlooks the harbour before following the road around the fjord to the spectacular Ásbyrgi Canyon and Hljóðaklettar, a cluster of photogenic rock columns; a footpath guides you from here through the gorgeous Jökulsárgljúfur canyon to Hólmatungur. Make one final stop at Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, before driving to Mývatn – a wonderland of geothermal activity, with plentiful hiking opportunities and the option of a dip at Mývatn Nature Baths. Dine at farm restaurant Vogafjós. Where to stay Vogafjós also offers rustic guest rooms from £240 per night. Day 7: East Coast East fjords, puffins and lobster soup Today's drive takes you through the enigmatic East Fjords via Egilsstaðir and the mountains and valleys of the Herad region. The first stop should be Borgarfjörður eystri, home to around 10,000 pairs of nesting puffins in summer. Egilsstaðir is the largest town in the region and a good place to stop and refuel, but a little farther on is Seyðisfjörður, whose dramatic surroundings can be enjoyed from a brand new viewing platform. Lunch at Skaftfell Bistro before heading to the small peninsula of Hvalnes and the village of Djúpivogur, where you can hike and admire the scenery. The final stretch, to Höfn, takes around an hour and a half but you'll be rewarded with views of the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier and surrounding fjords – and lobster soup at Otto Matur & Drykkur. Where to stay Hotel Höfn has doubles from £220. Day 8: South Coast Glaciers, lakes and black sand beaches It's not really a trip to Iceland if you don't get up a glacier. From Höfn, explore Vatnajökull via one of the local companies offering ice climbing, ice walks and ice cave tours. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic hike in the slightly quieter Skaftafell National Park – just be sure to save time for the drive along the sight-laden south coast, where highlights include the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and associated Diamond Beach, where icy chunks from Vatnajökull wash up photogenically onto black sands; and Dyrhólaey, a large promontory with splendid views of the coastline and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. If you need to break the journey up along the way, stop at Kjarr in Kirkjubæjarklaustur for lunch, or head straight to Vik, where you can feast on burgers and more at Smiðjan Brugghús. Where to stay Hotel Kria has apartments in Vik from £250. Day 9: Westman Islands and the Highlands Volcano hikes, puffins and mountain adventures Continue south, stopping at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, before taking a break from the car and catching the Herjólfur ferry from Landeyjafjara to the Westman Islands. You'll arrive at Heimaey, where you can climb the Eldfell volcano, which erupted in 1973, forcing the evacuation of the entire island; the dramatic story is told in detail at the Eldheimar Museum. Enjoy lunch at Voruhusid before catching the ferry back to the mainland and driving to Midgard Base Camp. A hotel and tour operator all in one, they are well-equipped for a guided tour into otherwise inaccessible highland areas such as Þórsmörk, Landmannalaugar or Fjallabak. In the evening, dine at Midgard's in-house restaurant. Where to stay Midgard Base Camp has doubles from £185. Day 10: Golden Circle and the Reykjanes Peninsula Viking parliament, waterfalls and hot springs For the final leg of the trip, explore the Golden Circle. Start with a drive to the Kerið Crater Lake (you can walk around its rim), before heading to the UNESCO World Heritage site Thingvellir, the location of Iceland's ancient parliament, founded in 930 AD. Stroll between the North American and European tectonic plates at the Almannagja Gorge, and enjoy the park's lava fields and lakes. Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls, should not be missed, and although the world-famous Geysir is nowadays dormant, the Haukadalur valley has plenty of other spurting hot springs (such as Strokkur) to see. If you're heading back to Reykjavik and want to see more, drive the Reykjanes Peninsula to see Iceland's oldest lighthouse (Reykjanesviti), the bubbling mud pits of Krysuvík and Seltun, and maybe pay a visit to the Blue Lagoon. Alternatively, stay at the plush new Hotel Geysir, which has doubles from £280 and a very good restaurant, before heading to Keflavik airport the next morning. Where to stay If you head back to Reykjavik, the chic Canopy Hotel has doubles from £300. How to do it When to go This tour has been designed for summer (approximately June to August) for several reasons. Firstly, Iceland experiences almost 24 hours of daylight during the summer season, meaning there is much more time to enjoy the sights, especially on longer driving days. The more remote parts of the country – and the mountain F-roads leading to them – are more accessible, and summer also brings better general driving conditions since the roads are clear of snow and ice. The higher temperatures mean outdoor activities are also more enjoyable. If you can't go in the summer, try and stay as close to the summer shoulder seasons as possible since many roads only remain open between the end of April to around mid-September. However, although much of this route will be inaccessible during deep winter, you can certainly do some of it, with the bonus of snow-covered landscapes and a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights. What to book While the above itinerary is custom-made and not specifically offered by a tour operator, Arctic Adventures offer a nine-day tour that covers a fair bit of it for around £2,300 per person, with basic accommodation and breakfasts included. Midgard Adventure also offers all-inclusive packages such as a four-Day Northern Lights Adventure that covers the Golden Circle, the south coast and Þórsmörk, plus 'off the beaten path' experiences such as super jeep tours, ice caves, and glacier walks for around £1,500 per person; they also have a private day tours to the Westman Islands and a Þórsmörk Super Jeep Day Tour that start at around £200 per person.
Metro
3 hours ago
- Metro
Have you got nudes? What tourists need to know before going on holiday to the US
Thinking of visiting the US? You might want to delete the nudes on your camera roll before you go — that's if you don't want a border control officer looking at them, anyway. Under Trump's recent 'enhanced vetting' executive order, travellers are being reminded that border agents can – and do – search phones and laptops. Scrutiny is ramping up big time at the US border, with some being denied entry and even detained due to their digital content. On Wednesday, the US president resurrected a controversial travel ban from his first term in the White House: a proclamation that bans citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States. It's not something any of us want to think about before a holiday, but if you are stopped by a border agent, what are your rights? And do you have to hand your phone over? Metro asked the experts. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Yes, and they don't need a warrant to do so. CBP agents have the legal authority to search electronic devices at the border: that's phones, laptops and tablets. This includes reviewing text messages, social media activity, photos, emails and even your browser history. In March, an unnamed French scientist was denied entry to the States after airport immigration officers searched his phone and found messages critical of the Trump administration. Last month, Turkish-American streamer Hasan Piker claimed he was detained and questioned for two hours by US Customs and Border Protection agents at Chicago's O'Hare Airport after returning from France. He said agents interrogated him about his political views, including his stance on Trump and Gaza. Piker said the questioning felt 'deliberate'. The searches are intended to verify identity and assess any potential security risks. But the fact is, if you've got nudes anywhere on your phone, they can be found, even if accidentally. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video However, immigration lawyer Dr Jennifer Obaseki tells Metro that concerns are growing about the right to privacy. She asks: 'At what point does the US government feel they can overstep in restricting non-citizens' freedom of political expression, and therefore take that additional step to deny entry? It feels like a stretch on the authority they have, if not an abuse of power.' Dr Obaseki also notes that many of the people who have been interrogated or turned away at the US border have been vocal about the Trump administration and Gaza. The Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution protects people from random and arbitrary stops and searches. However, according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the federal government claims the power to conduct certain kinds of warrantless stops within 100 miles of the US border. So, if you have anything NSFW on there, you might want to think about clearing it up. Technically, no. But what happens afterwards depends on your immigration status. US citizens and lawful permanent residents cannot be legally denied entry if they refuse to unlock their devices. Non-citizens, including tourists and visa holders, may be refused entry if they don't provide access to their device. And Dr Obaseki says this is more likely than not. 'Non-US citizens who are denied entry will typically be immediately removed. If it's in relation to digital content, though, the officer dealing with you would have to justify the decision,' she says. 'They have to give you a reason – whether they feel that you or the content that you hold shows that you have an intention to cause some kind of security risk, or because of any criminal history. If you don't have a criminal history, they have to consider you or your content as a risk.' If you agree to hand over your phone, the ACLU recommends that you enter your password yourself. Turning off Face ID or fingerprint beforehand can help protect your privacy, too. According to Dr Obaseki, if you have anything questionable on your phone, leave it at home. Simple as. You can always have your phone sent to you, or load your content in the cloud, and use a basic device during your time in the US. 'It's better to have yourself through customs and immigration, rather than have questions and challenges at immigration,' Dr Obaseki says. British travellers must also make sure they have an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which is permission to enter the US, before travel. And Dr Obaseki warns there is no formal appeal process for visa denials. However, there are preparations you can put in place to make potential challenges easier. 'At the point of entry, have someone on standby,' she advises. Meaning, if you're going to be landing and you have someone in the US expecting you, ask them to meet you at the airport. If you provide border agents with the password of your device – or if you don't have one – they can conduct an immediate 'basic search'. This usually means browsing through your texts, photos, apps and social media posts. The ACLU says they might also download the full contents of your device and save a copy of your data. Agents have been required to return your device before you leave the airport since 2018. They could, however, choose to do an 'advanced' or 'forensic' search. This is when they hold onto your device for five days to conduct a thorough search. Agents can keep it for longer due to 'extenuating circumstances', when the period is extended by seven days each time. The ACLU says they have received reports of phones being held for weeks and even months. Should you leave the airport or other border checkpoint without your device, the ACLU advises getting a receipt. This will include information about your device and contact information to follow up. If your denial is linked to digital content or social media associations, Dr Obaseki says you have to think carefully. 'Ask yourself, if somebody has made a decision and made notes about me, who else is going to see them? How long are they going to be stored on my record?' She stresses that there could be a knock-on effect on future travel. Plus, there's no real transparency on how the content taken is going to be used against you. For example, what if a family member goes travelling, will they connect that person to you, and subsequently deny them entry? Dr Obaseki repeats: 'The basis for which the searches are being made must be properly written down so that they can be challenged if they're wrong. If you're denied entry due to being at a university where there was a particular demonstration, for example, that doesn't mean you were automatically associated.' In relation to your online presence, the expert says that the US Department of State, which handles visas and immigration abroad, are now working with social media companies to conduct these screenings. 'Before you go about getting your visa application, they are looking at your handles to find whether you should be allowed to come in,' she explains, adding that this expanded screening is going to step up more in June. 'The justification for that is because Trump has said he is going to be tough on immigration,' she adds. With more reports of travellers being questioned, turned away or detained at US airports, many are thinking twice about visiting. Dr Obaseki says we are likely to see more refusals over the next couple of months, and until the end of the Trump administration. 'We'll then have more cases which we can vet and analyse, and then use to advise people,' she says. According to a recent study by the World Travel and Tourism Council, the US is projected to lose around $12.5 billion (£9.4 billion) in international travel spending this year, largely due to concerns over increased security. Many are opting out of visiting, citing fears of invasive searches, the possibility of being refused entry or being detained at the border. More Trending Still, the US is set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Canada and Mexico, a major draw which is predicted to bring in millions of tourists. However, easing airport security measures doesn't seem to be on the cards ahead of the event. Vice President JD Vance recently joked about deporting football fans who overstay their welcome at a recent press conference for the World Cup. ]'We'll have visitors from close to 100 countries. We want them to come,' he said. 'But when the time is up, they'll have to go home.' The ACLU advises taking precautions to ensure travelling goes as smoothly as possible, when it comes to keeping your devices safe. Here are some of the tips outlined on its website: Let officers know if you have privileged material on your device Travel with as little data and as few devices as possible Encrypt devices with strong and unique passwords and shut them down when crossing the border Store sensitive data in end-to-end encrypted cloud-storage account and remove any sensitive data from your device Upload sensitive photos on your camera to your password-protected laptop or a cloud storage account Keep devices off. If you must turn them on, ensure that they are in airplane mode, with both WiFi and Bluetooth disabled Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Trump warns that Putin wants revenge for Ukraine's drone attacks MORE: Expert reveals clues that Trump and Musk's relationship was doomed from the start MORE: Women who have a miscarriage in West Virginia could be prosecuted
Belfast Telegraph
3 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Trump announces travel ban and restrictions on 19 countries
The ban takes effect Monday at 12.01am, a cushion that may avoid the chaos that unfolded at airports nationwide when a similar measure took effect with virtually no notice in 2017. Mr Trump, who signalled plans for a new ban upon taking office in January, appears to be on firmer ground this time after the Supreme Court sided with him. Some, but not all, of 12 countries also appeared on the list of banned countries in Mr Trump's first term. The new ban includes Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. There will be heightened restrictions on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. In a video released on social media, Mr Trump tied the new ban to Sunday's terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, saying it underscored the dangers posed by some visitors who overstay visas. Mr Trump said some countries had 'deficient' screening and vetting or have historically refused to take back their own citizens. His findings rely extensively on an annual Homeland Security report of visa overstays of tourists, business visitors and students who arrive by air and sea, singling out countries with high percentages of remaining after their visas expired. 'We don't want them,' Mr Trump said. The inclusion of Afghanistan angered some supporters who have worked to resettle its people. The ban makes exceptions for Afghans on Special Immigrant Visas, generally people who worked most closely with the US government during the two-decade war there. Afghanistan was also one of the largest sources of resettled refugees, with about 14,000 arrivals in a 12-month period through September 2024. Mr Trump suspended refugee resettlement on his first day in office. 'To include Afghanistan – a nation whose people stood alongside American service members for 20 years – is a moral disgrace. It spits in the face of our allies, our veterans, and every value we claim to uphold,' said Shawn VanDiver, president and board chairman of #AfghanEvac. Mr Trump wrote that Afghanistan 'lacks a competent or co-operative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures'. He also cited its visa overstay rates. Haiti, which avoided the travel ban during Mr Trump's first term, was also included for high overstay rates and large numbers who came to the US illegally. Haitians continue to flee poverty, hunger and political instability deepens while police and a UN-backed mission fight a surge in gang violence, with armed men controlling at least 85% of its capital, Port-au-Prince. 'Haiti lacks a central authority with sufficient availability and dissemination of law enforcement information necessary to ensure its nationals do not undermine the national security of the United States,' Mr Trump wrote. The Iranian government offered no immediate reaction to being included. The Trump administration called it a 'state sponsor of terrorism', barring visitors except for those already holding visas or coming into the US on special visas America issues for minorities facing persecution. Other Middle East nations on the list – Libya, Sudan and Yemen – all face ongoing civil strife and territory overseen by opposing factions. Sudan has an active war, while Yemen's war is largely stalemated and Libyan forces remain armed. International aid groups and refugee resettlement organisations roundly condemned the new ban. 'This policy is not about national security – it is about sowing division and vilifying communities that are seeking safety and opportunity in the United States,' said Abby Maxman, president of Oxfam America. The travel ban results from a January 20 executive order Mr Trump issued requiring the departments of State and Homeland Security and the director of national intelligence to compile a report on 'hostile attitudes' toward the US and whether entry from certain countries represented a national security risk. During his first term, Mr Trump issued an executive order in January 2017 banning travel to the US by citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries — Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen. It was one of the most chaotic and confusing moments of his young presidency. Travellers from those nations were either barred from getting on their flights to the US or detained at US airports after they landed. They included students as well as businesspeople, tourists and people visiting friends and family. The order, often referred to as the 'Muslim ban' or the 'travel ban', was retooled amid legal challenges, until a version was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. The ban affected various categories of travellers and immigrants from Iran, Somalia, Yemen, Syria and Libya, plus North Koreans and some Venezuelan government officials and their families. Mr Trump and others have defended the initial ban on national security grounds, arguing it was aimed at protecting the country and not founded on anti-Muslim bias. However, the president had called for an explicit ban on Muslims during his first campaign for the White House.
