Topline
The northern lights could appear across 10 states Thursday night, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the second time this week sky gazers will have a chance at seeing the natural phenomenon.
Northern lights appearance in Oregon. (Photo by Mathieu Lewis-Rolland/Getty Images)
A Kp index of four has been issued by NOAA for Thursday night, meaning the aurora borealis “can be quite pleasing to look at” for those in the right areas with good viewing conditions.
The forecasted viewing line stretches as low as central South Dakota and southern Minnesota, with chances of seeing the northern lights rising the farther north viewers are from the line.
Auroral activity is forecast to significantly taper off Friday night, so northern lights viewers should make an effort to see aurora borealis Thursday for a better chance to see them.
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.
States and areas within or north of the viewing line include Alaska, northern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, northern South Dakota, Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, northern Michigan and northern Maine.
Thursday's viewing line.
Observers should head outside between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., the time range that typically provides the best chance for seeing the northern lights. Vantage points and areas with clear skies and little to no light pollution will also help improve chances.
Smartphone users should use their mobile devices’ night mode feature and not use flash if possible, while observers with traditional cameras should use low apertures, wide-angle lenses and tripods for image stability.
This year has been an active time for the northern lights, which had an extremely active 2024 as the sun reached the maximum phase in its 11-year cycle. The phase marks an increase in solar flares and coronal mass ejections that contribute to increased auroral activity, which lead to northern lights showings. NASA and NOAA forecasts predict active northern lights showings will last into 2026, when solar activity will eventually slow and lead to weaker auroral activity.