While 2024 treated us to some incredible solar eclipses, 2025 is treating some lucky viewers to some Northern Lights displays.
When will the Northern Lights be visible?
The aurora borealis is set to put on quite a spectacular display tonight and throughout the weekend. Thanks to ongoing geomagnetic storm conditions caused by turbulent space weather, the aurora is expected to move farther south than usual, giving more people a rare chance to see this natural light show.
What's causing the Northern Lights?
Our planet is still feeling the effects of a powerful solar storm that hit Earth overnight on 12-13 June. The impact brought moderate G2 geomagnetic storm levels that are setting the stage for this weekend's aurora display.
Geomagnetic storms are ranked on a G-scale from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme), so a G2 represents a moderate level of activity that's worth paying attention to.
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Normally, the aurora oval - that ring-shaped zone where the northern lights typically form - stays positioned over the Arctic regions. However, when a geomagnetic storm occurs, Earth's magnetic field interactions can shift the zones south, which is why those in the United States will be the lucky viewers.
Which US states have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights?
Based on NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center data, here are 18 states that fall above the possible viewing line for auroras tonight and the weekend.
They're listed from most likely to least likely, depending on how close they are to the centre of the auroral oval:
Alaska
Montana
North Dakota
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Michigan
South Dakota
Maine
Vermont
New Hampshire
Idaho
Washington
Oregon
New York
Massachusetts
Connecticut
Rhode Island
Wyoming
Bear in mind that auroras can be pretty unpredictable. Sometimes, they appear much farther south than expected, and at other times, they're a no-show entirely. A lot of conditions need to align perfectly for the best display, so things like cloud cover and light pollution can affect visibility.
How can I see the Northern Lights?
If you're lucky enough to be in one of those 18 states or want to try your luck anyway, there's a few ways to maximise your chances.
First, head to a dark, north-facing spot away from city lights. Since the summer solstice is due on 20-21 June, the nights will be getting shorter. Therefore, the best viewing window might be around 1 to 2am, according to Space.com.
In the meantime, some weather apps can give you location-based aurora predictions. Apps like My Aurora Forecast & Alerts or Space Weather Live, available on both iOS and Android, provide detailed information about whether the current conditions are favourable for aurora sightings.