Auroras are back! A strong geomagnetic storm is expected to light up the skies in up to 17 US states, giving stargazers a second chance to witness this natural wonder.
The solar flare activity has upgraded the space weather alert from G1 to G3, indicating a more intense display of the aurora borealis. This surge in geomagnetic activity is caused by high-speed solar winds streaming from the sun’s atmosphere and heading straight for Earth’s magnetic field.
The northern lights will be visible between Thursday, May 29, and Saturday, May 31. The best viewing locations are in states with clear skies and low cloud cover, including northern Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine.
To witness this cosmic spectacle, head to a dark spot facing north, away from the city. Ensure good weather conditions by avoiding rain, fog, or clouds that may block your view. NOAA’s Aurora Dashboard can provide favorable viewing conditions.
For capturing photos of the northern lights, plan ahead. Use a smartphone with night mode and no flash. For advanced cameras, use a wide-angle lens with an aperture of f/4 or lower, setting the focus to capture the full scene.
Source: https://people.com/how-to-watch-the-northern-lights-for-the-second-time-may-2025-11744366