Topline
People in some of the northernmost U.S. states could catch a glimpse of the northern lights Saturday night, according to the latest National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast, as a minor geomagnetic storm is expected before the forecast weakens later in the weekend.
NOAA forecasts a minor-to-moderate geomagnetic storm Saturday night. (Photo by Hasan Akbas/Anadolu ... [+]
Key Facts
NOAA projected a Kp index of 3, measured on a scale of zero to nine, for Saturday night, indicating heightened auroral activity far from the North Pole that can be “quite pleasing to look at.”
The Kp index could reach a high point of 5.67 Saturday night as NOAA forecasts a minor-to-moderate geomagnetic storm, which could strengthen the northern lights’ activity.
The northern lights forecast weakens after Saturday, NOAA forecasts, though it said there’s a chance of a minor geomagnetic storm on Sunday.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?
Alaskans have the best shot at catching the northern lights, as almost the entire state is within the NOAA’s forecasted range of the aurora’s view line. The view line also extends into northern parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.
The northern lights' Saturday night view line.
What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?
NOAA recommends finding a high vantage point, avoiding light pollution and traveling as far north as possible. The agency says the lights are best viewed between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.
What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?
National Geographic recommends using a wide-angle lens, a tripod for stability and using an aperture value of under 4.0. If using an iPhone, the lights can be best photographed in the camera’s night mode setting.
Key Background
The northern lights made frequent appearances in American states—even sometimes as far south as Florida—in 2024 because of solar activity that exceeded scientists’ expectations. Some of the strongest solar storms in decades occurred, including a strong solar flare measured at a level of X9.0, causing auroras with a Kp index as high as 7. NASA estimated the northern lights displays in 2024 were the strongest in centuries. The sun’s heightened activity occurred because it is experiencing its “solar maximum,” the most active part of its 11-year cycle. The northern lights are expected to continue throughout 2025, as NASA estimates the solar maximum period will continue until 2026, after which point solar activity will decrease.
