Topline
Nearly a dozen states might have a chance to see the northern lights Wednesday night, with calmer auroral activity expected later this week, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Minor or greater geomagnetic storms are expected later this week, potentially bringing the phenomenon to more states, forecasters said.
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Key Facts
NOAA forecast a Kp index of four on a scale of nine for Wednesday, indicating the aurora borealis will move further from the poles and become brighter.
An uptick in auroral activity was previously expected late Wednesday, after NOAA said it anticipated a “minor” or greater geomagnetic storm caused by high-speed winds from a cooler area on the sun’s surface, according to the agency’s three-day forecast.
Electrons from geomagnetic storms and solar winds collide with oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing them to become “excited” before releasing energy in the form of colorful, swirling lights, according to NOAA.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible On Wednesday?
A higher chance of seeing the aurora borealis is forecast across northern Canada and Alaska, with lesser, yet still possible odds expected in Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine. (See view line below.)
Wednesday’s view line.
NOAA
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Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2025/12/17/northern-lights-forecast-these-states-may-see-aurora-borealis-wednesday-night/
