A powerful solar storm is creating ideal conditions for skywatchers across the country, as tonight’s aurora borealis forecast shows a rare chance for millions of Americans to witness the northern lights. According to space weather experts, a series of strong solar flares has caused a G4-level geomagnetic storm that could make the aurora visible far beyond its usual northern boundaries — even reaching into parts of the Midwest and northern Plains.
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What’s Driving Tonight’s Aurora Borealis Forecast
The aurora borealis, commonly called the northern lights, occurs when charged particles from the Sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. These interactions produce brilliant light shows that typically remain confined to regions near the poles.
However, the Sun has been especially active this week. A massive coronal mass ejection (CME) — an enormous burst of plasma and magnetic energy — erupted a few days ago and is now impacting Earth’s magnetic field. The result is a geomagnetic storm strong enough to make the aurora visible in states far from the Arctic Circle.
Scientists tracking solar activity have confirmed that several CMEs combined into one strong wave directed toward Earth. As the storm intensifies, the aurora oval (the zone where lights appear) is expanding southward, offering rare viewing opportunities for U.S. residents.
Where to See the Aurora Tonight
The latest aurora borealis forecast predicts a stunning display across much of the northern United States. While the northernmost states will have the best chance, even those farther south may catch a glimpse if skies remain clear.
Highest Viewing Potential:
- Alaska – Widespread aurora visibility expected across the state.
- Northern Plains: North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana.
- Great Lakes Region: Michigan, Wisconsin, and northern Illinois.
- Northeast: Maine, Vermont, and upstate New York.
Possible Viewing Zones (If Storm Strengthens):
- Midwest: Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
- Pacific Northwest: Northern Oregon and Washington.
- Mountain States: Parts of Colorado, Idaho, and Wyoming.
If conditions remain favorable, faint green or pink glows could even reach as far south as Kansas or Missouri — something that hasn’t happened in several years.
When to Look Up
Experts say the best time to view the northern lights will be between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM local time. This period coincides with peak geomagnetic activity and the darkest portion of the night.
If you’re planning to catch the display, head to an area with low light pollution — rural fields, lakesides, or hills away from city centers. The aurora will most likely appear along the northern horizon, although during strong bursts it may spread overhead.
What You’ll Likely See
At the strongest points of tonight’s storm, the aurora could display vibrant green and pink hues dancing in long vertical streaks across the sky. Those in northern states may even see the rarer reds and purples if the storm continues to intensify.
Color Guide:
| Color | Cause | Altitude Range |
|---|---|---|
| Green | Oxygen molecules | 60–150 miles |
| Red | High-altitude oxygen | Above 150 miles |
| Purple or Pink | Nitrogen collisions | 50–60 miles |
The greenish glow is most common and easiest to spot with the naked eye. Cameras, however, often capture much more vibrant colors than the human eye can perceive, especially when using long-exposure settings.
Photography Tips for Capturing the Aurora
If you’re hoping to photograph tonight’s aurora, preparation is key. Even faint auroras can produce stunning images with the right settings.
- Use a tripod – Stability is essential for long exposures.
- Set ISO between 800–1600 – This allows more light without too much grain.
- Shutter speed: Try 5–15 seconds depending on brightness.
- Aperture: As wide as possible (f/2.8–f/4).
- Focus manually – Adjust to infinity for sharp stars and aurora detail.
- Turn off flash – It will wash out the faint light.
For smartphone users, switch to night mode and keep the camera steady. Even if the aurora appears faint, your phone might capture dramatic colors invisible to your eyes.
Why This Aurora Event Is Special
This storm marks one of the strongest aurora borealis forecasts in recent months. The Sun is currently approaching its solar maximum — the peak of its 11-year cycle of activity. During this phase, eruptions like CMEs and solar flares occur more frequently, sending bursts of charged particles toward Earth.
That means events like tonight’s may become more common over the next year. Still, seeing the aurora at lower latitudes remains a rare treat, especially for residents in states that seldom experience this phenomenon.
For many, it’s a once-in-a-decade chance to witness the northern lights without traveling to Alaska or Canada.
Tips for the Best Viewing Experience
To make the most of tonight’s aurora borealis forecast, follow these key tips:
- Find dark skies: Move away from urban light pollution. Rural or coastal areas are ideal.
- Check local weather: Clouds are the biggest obstacle. Choose areas with clear forecasts.
- Avoid phone lights: Keep your eyes adjusted to darkness for at least 15 minutes.
- Bring essentials: Warm clothing, a thermos, and a blanket will make your wait more comfortable.
- Be patient: The aurora can come in waves — fading for minutes, then suddenly brightening.
Apps and websites that track geomagnetic activity in real time can help you monitor changing conditions throughout the night.
Understanding the Kp Index
The Kp index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic storm strength, ranging from 0 (quiet) to 9 (extreme). The higher the number, the farther south the aurora becomes visible.
| Kp Index | Aurora Visibility Zone |
|---|---|
| 3–4 | Northern border states (ND, MN, ME) |
| 5–6 | Upper Midwest, Great Lakes |
| 7 | Northeastern U.S., central states |
| 8–9 | Southern states may see faint glow |
Tonight’s Kp index is expected to reach 7 or higher, putting most northern and midwestern states within viewing range.
Safety Reminder for Skywatchers
While auroras are harmless to watch, safety should still be a priority:
- Avoid isolated areas if you’re traveling late at night.
- Carry a flashlight or headlamp with a red filter.
- Stay aware of wildlife if observing in rural regions.
And remember — while strong geomagnetic storms can occasionally affect satellites and power grids, there’s no risk to human health or personal electronics at ground level.
Looking Ahead: More Auroras Possible This Month
The increased solar activity that sparked tonight’s event is likely to continue for several days. Forecasters predict that Earth may experience additional solar winds later in the week, meaning the aurora could remain visible for consecutive nights, especially in northern states.
With the Sun nearing peak activity, aurora enthusiasts across the U.S. can expect more opportunities like this throughout 2025 and 2026.
Final Thoughts
Tonight’s aurora borealis forecast promises one of the most exciting sky shows of the year. Whether you’re in the northern states or further south hoping for a glimpse, it’s worth stepping outside to look up. Clear skies, patience, and a bit of luck could reward you with an unforgettable view of nature’s most stunning light display.
If you manage to spot the northern lights, share your experience and location in the comments below — let others know where the sky put on its best show tonight!