Topline
Nearly a dozen states in the northern U.S. might have a chance to see the northern lights on Friday, following a period of geomagnetic storms, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Calmer auroral activity is forecast through the weekend.
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Key Facts
NOAA forecast a Kp index of four on a scale of nine for Friday night, indicating the northern lights could be visible as far south as southern Minnesota.
Friday night’s auroral forecast follows a series of minor geomagnetic storms late Thursday and early Friday caused by high-speed winds from a cooler, less dense spot on the sun’s surface.
This weekend will feature calmer auroral activity, according to NOAA’s three-day forecast, which suggests a maximum Kp index of two and three for Saturday and Sunday nights, respectively, though as of Friday morning, NOAA has forecast a Kp index of four for Saturday.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?
The northern lights have the highest chance of being seen across northern Canada and Alaska, where the phenomenon might be visible once the sun sets in the state. There’s a lesser, yet still possible likelihood forecast in parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Maine. (See map below.)
What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?
NOAA recommends traveling to a high, north-facing vantage point away from light pollution between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., when the northern lights are most active. Aurora borealis is most visible throughout the winter months as days are shorter, though they can still be seen year-round depending on solar activity.
What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?
Photography experts recommend using an aperture or F-stop of four or less, a wide-angle lens, and a focus set to the furthest possible setting. If using a smartphone, NOAA suggests enabling night mode, disabling flash and relying on a tripod to stabilize the image.
Key Background
Auroral activity picked up over the last year after the sun achieved a “solar maximum,” or a point during the sun’s 11-year cycle that marks an increase in solar events like solar flares or coronal mass ejections. These events are largely responsible for creating the northern lights: Electrons collide with molecules of oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing them to become “excited” before releasing energy in the form of colorful, swirling lights. NOAA and NASA have projected this peak in solar activity to persist into early 2026.
Further Reading
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2025/10/31/northern-lights-forecast-these-states-may-see-aurora-borealis-on-halloween/
