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The Northern Lights can appear here on Saturday evening

Topline

According to an update from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Northern Lights may be seen from several northern U.S. states on Saturday evening as space weather forecasts predict a surge in geomagnetic activity that could trigger a powerful aurora.

Important facts

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecast a KP index of seven for Saturday night, meaning people on the northern edge of the U.S. could potentially see the northern lights as it becomes “quite bright and active.”

The agency also has strong geomagnetic storm monitoring, which could lead to a larger viewing area for the northern lights.

The line of sight extends into central Nebraska, with the chance of auroras increasing the farther north people go from the line.

Line of sight is forecast to move further north through Sunday night, where a lower KP index of five is currently forecast, meaning a lower chance of visibility than Saturday.

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Where will the Northern Lights be visible tonight?

States within or partially within the line of sight include Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Maine. The chance of seeing the Northern Lights is low in most regions within the state, but the chance is much higher in the upper regions of Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota.

How do you see the Northern Lights?

The hours between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. represent the best possible viewing time for the Northern Lights. If you want to catch a glimpse of the natural phenomenon, you should do so in areas without light pollution and with clear weather forecasts.

How do you photograph the lights?

Night mode and longer exposure times on smartphones can help viewers take photos of the northern lights and increase camera exposure.

Important background

Saturday's favorable forecast follows a relatively strong result on Friday evening, which forecast a strong geomagnetic storm and had a KP index of five. Recent months have seen an increase in solar activity ahead of the expected peak of Solar Cycle 25, the Sun's 11-year solar cycle, which is expected to peak between late 2024 and early 2026. The cycle is expected to produce increasing sunspots (115 to be exact) and increasing geomagnetic storms.

Further reading

Northern Lights forecast updated for this weekend – Aurora Borealis could be visible in these states (Forbes)

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