A recent coronal mass ejection will likely disrupt Earth’s magnetic field this week, making the northern lights visible to more states as early as Tuesday night. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a Kp index of six is forecast for Tuesday night, indicating the northern lights will be active along the northern edge of the US.
The northern lights are expected to be visible through the week, with maximum activity predicted on Wednesday, when a Kp index of six is forecast. The aurora borealis may be seen in as many as 18 states, including parts of Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Canada.
NOAA attributes the increased auroral activity to a coronal mass ejection that occurred on April 13, which will likely result in minor to moderate geomagnetic storms. The best viewing locations are at high vantage points with minimal light pollution, preferably between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Photography experts recommend using wide-angle lenses, low apertures (F-stop of four or less), and focusing on the furthest possible setting to capture the northern lights. For smartphone users, turning on night mode and disabling flash is suggested.
The recent increase in auroral activity follows a similar event in mid-2024, which pulled the phenomenon as far south as northern Florida. This increase in solar activity is part of an 11-year cycle, during which the sun reaches a “solar maximum” and “solar minimum”. The resulting interaction between the sun’s surface events and the Earth’s magnetic field produces aurora borealis.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2025/04/15/northern-lights-forecast-18-states-may-see-aurora-borealis-tonight-as-geomagnetic-storm-nears