Topline
Some geomagnetic storm conditions are expected Monday, possibly making the northern lights visible in several states in the northern U.S., according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Forecasters said periods of “minor” geomagnetic storms are expected.
NOAA forecast auroral activity with a Kp index of three on a scale of nine for Monday night, suggesting the northern lights will be “quite pleasing to look at” for those in the right areas.
Periods of “minor” geomagnetic storms are possible Monday because of “influences” of high-speed winds from a cooler, less dense spot on the sun’s surface, NOAA said.
Monday’s auroral forecast indicates a maximum Kp index of nearly five may be reached, according to NOAA’s three-day forecast, which shows the northern lights could become visible in parts of South Dakota, Wyoming, Iowa, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.
The best chance to see the northern lights is forecast for most of northern Canada and Alaska, with a lower likelihood expected in northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. (See map below.)
Monday's view line.
NOAA recommends traveling to a high vantage point away from light pollution to see the northern lights, which the agency said are best seen between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.
With a regular camera, photography experts told National Geographic that a wide-angle lens, an aperture or F-stop of four or less and a focus set to the furthest possible setting is recommended. NOAA suggests using a tripod and enabling night mode if using a smartphone.
Activity on the sun’s surface peaked in October 2024, meaning the northern lights will likely be more visible into early 2026, NOAA and NASA projections suggest. This peak features an increase in solar events like solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which are responsible for auroral activity. Molecules of oxygen and nitrogen collide with electrons from these events, causing the electrons to become “excited” before releasing energy in the form of light.