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The majority of states along the U.S.-Canada border could have a shot at seeing the northern lights Monday night, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which issued a similarly strong forecast for Tuesday night.
A Kp index of four was issued by NOAA for Monday night, meaning the aurora borealis “can be quite pleasing to look at” for people in the right areas.
Monday’s curved viewing line stretches as far down as central South Dakota, with chances of seeing the northern lights increasing the further north viewers are from the line.
Northern lights viewers will have another shot at seeing the natural phenomenon on Tuesday, when a Kp index of four is also forecast alongside a viewing line identical to Monday’s.
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Monday’s viewing line includes Alaska, northern Washington, northern Idaho, most of Montana, all of North Dakota, the upper half of South Dakota, most of Minnesota, the Michigan Upper Peninsula, the northern half of the Michigan Lower Peninsula and northern Maine.
The window of time between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. usually provides viewers with their best chance at seeing the northern lights. Areas with little to no light pollution, as well as high vantage points, can increase the likelihood of seeing the aurora borealis.
Night mode and no flash should be used for those trying to snap a photo of the lights on their smartphones. Traditional cameras should be equipped with wide-angle lenses and low apertures while shooting the northern lights. Tripods can help smartphones and cameras with stability.
Auroral activity has been above-average through much of 2024 and 2025. The increased activity comes from the sun reaching the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, generating coronal mass ejections and solar flares that often lead to northern lights showings. While the summer has brought some decent showings, winter months are typically the best time to view the northern lights due to longer and darker nights.