Northern Lights Alert: 27 US States May Witness Spectacular Display This Weekend
A powerful geomagnetic storm is expected to hit the Earth on Sunday, June 1, and Monday, June 2, 2025, making the Northern Lights visible from 27 US states, according to a forecast by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The storm is predicted to be so intense that it may cause a G5 (Extreme) level geomagnetic disturbance, with G3-G4 (Strong-Severe) conditions likely on June 1-2.
"The effects of the CME [coronal mass ejection] could last through Tuesday, June 3," NOAA said in a post. "By as early as midday on 01 Jun to early on 02 Jun, conditions are expected to increase rapidly with the arrival of the CME from 31 May… G3-G4 (Strong-Severe) conditions are likely, with a chance for G5 (Extreme) levels on 01-02 Jun." However, NOAA also noted that while confidence is high for the CME arrival at Earth, confidence is much lower for timing and magnitude.
The US is currently one of the best places to see the Northern Lights due to the Earth’s tilt as we approach the solstice on June 21. The Northern Lights, also known as aurora borealis, are typically seen in polar regions, but during extreme geomagnetic conditions, the auroral oval can bulge, making the display visible at lower latitudes. According to NOAA, the display may be seen in northern skies from northern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, northeast Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine, among other states.
Aurora Viewline Forecast
NOAA has released an aurora viewline forecast that indicates the aurora may be visible from 27 US states. Regions closest to the border with Canada will have the highest possibility of seeing the aurora. The potential displays of aurora borealis tonight have a predicted Kp index of 7.67, which means "the aurora will move even further from the poles and will become quite bright and active. At this geomagnetic activity level, it might be possible to see the aurora from the northern edge of the United States."
As reported by Forbes, the aurora viewline forecast is a useful tool for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. The forecast is available on the NOAA website, and it provides a prediction of where the aurora may be visible.
Viewing Tips for the Northern Lights
For those hoping to see the Northern Lights, here are some viewing tips:
- Check NOAA’s Aurora Dashboard and be ready to head out at a moment’s notice if conditions look favorable. Check cloud conditions.
- Get as far away from city lights as possible to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora because they’re more impressive in a dark sky. Use a light pollution map or the Dark Sky Place finder to find a suitable location away from city lights.
- Prioritize a dark northern horizon since that’s likely where they’ll be visible.
- Dress warmly and have a plan for how you’ll get home safely.
- While you’re out, use an app like Glendale App or a website like SpaceWeatherLive.com and look at both the Kp and a strong southward Bz figure, which indicates that it might connect with Earth’s magnetosphere to cause a substorm.
- Be prepared to fail and be at peace with that before you go out. It may take multiple trips to finally see aurora, as displays can be unpredictable.
What Causes the Northern Lights?
The solar wind is a stream of charged particles from the sun interacting with Earth’s magnetic field. They’re super-charged by a coronal mass ejection that travels to Earth over a few days. Aurora is typically seen in polar regions at around latitudes of 70 degrees north and south, but during extreme geomagnetic conditions, the auroral oval can bulge, making displays visible as low as 25 degrees north and south of the equator.
According to Forbes, "the Northern Lights are a spectacular display of natural light that can be seen in the polar regions." The publication notes that the Northern Lights are caused by the interaction between the solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field.
In conclusion, the Northern Lights are expected to be visible from 27 US states this weekend, making it a great opportunity for those in the affected regions to witness this natural phenomenon. By following the viewing tips and checking the aurora viewline forecast, you can increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. As Forbes notes, "wishing you clear skies and wide eyes."
