A number of states across the northern United States might be able to catch a glimpse of the northern lights Sunday night into Monday morning, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s forecast.
An aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, is seen in the night sky on Thursday, Oct. ... [+]
The aurora borealis forecast for Sunday night has a Kp index of five on a scale of nine, meaning the lights can “be quite pleasing to look at” if you are in the right place, according to NOAA.
There’s also a chance to see the northern lights Monday night into Tuesday, which has a Kp index forecast of four—though the viewline is expected to be slightly further north.
The aurora borealis becomes visible due to geomagnetic activity, which leads to ions colliding with Earth’s atmospheric gasses and creating auroral displays visible from Earth.
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
Alaska and Canada have a high likelihood of the aurora on Sunday night (see map below), and NOAA predicted the northern lights may be visible from Washington, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maine and most of Michigan, along with the northern parts of Idaho, Iowa, Wyoming, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire.
Sunday night's aurora borealis forecast.
The lights are best seen if you are far away from city lights and in a high, dark location between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. NOAA suggests getting a good vantage point by going somewhere atop a hill with an unobstructed, north-facing view.
People taking photos of the northern lights on smartphone cameras should use night mode and lower their shutter speed to better capture the aurora’s movement.
Aurora activity has been high in recent weeks as the activity on the sun’s surface has hit a “solar maximum,” according to NOAA and NASA—which is a time period in which the sun can “unleash immense explosions of light, energy and solar radiation.” High solar activity also leads to increased aurora visibility, which the U.S. has seen on and off since a solar storm in May 2024 that allowed the northern lights to be seen in the southern U.S. The sun will likely continue the peak of its 11-year solar cycle into 2025 and early 2026, giving more opportunities to see the northern lights.