Geomagnetic storm conditions may bring the northern lights to more U.S. states along the Canadian border on Wednesday, with similar auroral activity expected later this week, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
A geomagnetic storm watch was issued earlier this week.
NOAA forecast a Kp index of five on a scale of nine for Wednesday, suggesting the northern lights will move further from the poles and be “quite pleasing to look at” for those in the right areas.
The agency said “moderate” geomagnetic storm conditions are expected Wednesday because of a coronal hole high-speed stream, or winds from a cooler, less dense area on the sun’s surface, which may interact with Earth’s magnetic field, pulling the northern lights further south.
Similar “minor” geomagnetic storm conditions are likely on Thursday with a maximum Kp index of four expected, according to NOAA’s three-day forecast.
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Alaska and Canada will have the highest chance to see the northern lights, with a minimal opportunity—marked by a view line—expected as far south as the Midwest. Areas in Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota have a lower chance, while parts of Wyoming, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine have an even lower likelihood of viewing the phenomenon. (See view line below.)
Wednesday's view line.
The NOAA recommends traveling to a high vantage point away from light pollution to see the northern lights, which are most visible between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.
Capturing the northern lights is easiest if using a wide-angle lens and tripod to stabilize the camera, with settings adjusted for lower light images and an aperture or F-stop of four or less, photography experts told National Geographic. If using a smartphone, it’s recommended to turn on night mode and disable flash.
Auroral activity reached a 500-year peak in 2024 as activity on the sun’s surface achieved a “solar maximum,” according to NASA. Solar activity is measured over 11-year periods, during which a “solar maximum” and “solar minimum” are achieved, with the latest “solar maximum” occurring in October 2024. This peak will likely persist into early 2026, NASA said, indicating an increase in events like solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Electrons from these events intersect with molecules and atoms of nitrogen in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing them to become “excited” before producing the colorful displays of the aurora borealis.