The auroras are coming back! According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center, several northern US states will experience clear views of the sky show tonight into this week. Alaska, Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are among the top locations to witness the aurora borealis.
The Kp index, a global measure of auroral activity, is expected to peak at 5 during the week. This indicates minor to moderate geomagnetic storms on the sun’s surface, which can cause a disturbance in the Earth’s atmosphere. The auroras are produced when charged particles from the sun interact with the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere.
The Earth’s magnetic field acts as a barrier, protecting us from solar winds, but stronger winds can disturb it. When this happens, we see vivid auroras. In recent years, large auroral events have been visible over Europe and the United States. Even in major cities like Mexico City, the aurora has been spotted during intense events.
If you’re in one of these states with clear weather, grab a good viewing spot and enjoy the spectacle. Check NOAA’s three-day forecast for the most recent timing breakdown and updates on auroral activity.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2025/06/24/aurora-borealis-states-northern-lights-map-2025/84333600007