High-speed winds from the sun’s surface may impact the Earth’s magnetic field on Thursday, potentially making the northern lights visible to more states than usual. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a minor geomagnetic storm is expected, causing high-speed winds that will disturb the North Pole.
This disturbance will cause the aurora borealis to move further south, making it visible in areas farther away from the North Pole. NOAA estimates that the northern lights will be “quite pleasing to look at” for those in the right locations.
On Thursday night, a Kp index of five is forecasted, indicating high levels of solar activity. The aurora borealis is expected to remain active through Friday night, before becoming calmer by Saturday.
In addition, NASA has predicted a wave of space weather events that may affect Earth this week, including 31 low-class solar flares and 27 coronal mass ejections. These events are linked to an increase in auroral activity and will likely cause more frequent sightings of the northern lights.
Those in Alaska have a high chance of viewing the northern lights on Thursday night, while areas in northern Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have a lower likelihood. The northern lights can be seen as far away as 620 miles if conditions are optimal.
To witness the northern lights, it’s recommended to travel to a high vantage point away from light pollution between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. Photographers can also capture the aurora borealis using a wide-angle lens, high ISO value, and focus set to the farthest possible setting on regular cameras or smartphone night mode.
The recent solar maximum in October has led to an increase in solar weather events that will persist through early 2026. These events include solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can interact with atoms and molecules of nitrogen and oxygen in the atmosphere, causing them to release light particles and create spectacular displays of the northern lights.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2025/02/13/aurora-borealis-forecast-these-15-states-may-see-northern-lights-tonight-amid-geomagnetic-storm