Aurora Borealis Forecast: This week, Minnesotans and others in northern and Midwestern states might get a chance to see the Northern Lights. Solar eruptions over the weekend have led to a geomagnetic storm watch for Tuesday. This means the aurora borealis could be visible from Washington to Maine.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced a G2 geomagnetic storm watch for Tuesday. This storm is expected to make the Northern Lights more active and bright, with a Kp index of five. If the weather is clear, the lights could be quite spectacular.
The geomagnetic storm was caused by coronal mass ejections from the sun. These eruptions of solar material followed a solar filament eruption early Sunday morning. Solar activity has been high recently as the sun’s 11-year solar cycle nears its peak between late 2024 and early 2026. This cycle has led to increased sunspot activity and more geomagnetic storms.
While it’s hard to predict exactly where the Northern Lights will appear, they are expected to be most visible in Canada and Alaska. In the continental U.S., states where the aurora might be visible include:
- Washington
- Idaho
- Montana
- Wyoming
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Minnesota
- Iowa
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- New York
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Maine
Best Viewing Tips
To see the Northern Lights, it’s best to be outside between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., when the lights are most active. Here are some tips for the best viewing experience:
- Go to a location away from city lights and light pollution.
- Find a vantage point like a hilltop for a clearer view.
- Check the weather forecast for clear skies.
How to Photograph the Northern Lights
Smartphone cameras can capture the Northern Lights even if they are faint. To improve your photos, use night mode on your phone. This mode helps increase the camera’s exposure, making the aurora more visible in your shots.
Background on Solar Activity
The sun follows an 11-year cycle known as Solar Cycle 25. This cycle began in December 2019 and is expected to peak between late 2024 and early 2026. During this peak, the sun will likely have around 115 sunspots, which are sources of geomagnetic storms. The current cycle has already been more active than predicted.
In August, the Space Weather Prediction Center recorded 215.5 daily sunspots, the highest number since 2003. This increased solar activity is likely to lead to more geomagnetic storms and more opportunities to see the Northern Lights.
