The northern lights are expected to appear over several US states north of the border on Thursday night, according to a forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The viewing line stretches from the northern tip of Idaho to northern Wisconsin, with areas in North Dakota, Michigan, and Montana also included.
Residents in these areas can expect to see an aurora borealis index of three, which indicates that the lights may appear more frequently and brightly than usual. However, it’s worth noting that the viewing area does not include any part of the mainland US due to low auroral activity.
Viewers are advised to check clear skies and minimal light pollution for optimal viewing conditions. Peak hours for viewing the northern lights are from 10 pm to 2 am. For photography enthusiasts, night mode, low shutter speeds, and wide apertures are recommended.
This is not an isolated event, as auroral activity has been high this year due to a strong geomagnetic storm caused by solar activity at its peak. The increased solar activity is expected to continue into next year, leading to more frequent geomagnetic storms.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2024/12/26/northern-lights-update-heres-where-viewers-have-a-chance-to-see-aurora-borealis-tonight