Topline
The northern lights will likely be visible to several states along the Canadian border on Monday night, after recent geomagnetic storms made the phenomenon more visible, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Some minor to moderate radio blackouts are also expected this week, forecasters said.
Key Facts
The NOAA forecast auroral activity with a Kp index of three on a scale of nine, meaning the northern lights will likely move farther from the poles and be “quite pleasing to look at” for anyone in the right areas.
A Kp index of five was recorded Sunday night and early Monday after “isolated periods” of geomagnetic storms created by high-speed winds on a cooler, less dense spot on the sun’s surface, according to NOAA’s three-day forecast.
The Kp index may increase up to nearly four, the agency’s forecast suggests, which could make the northern lights visible in parts of South Dakota and Maine.
There is a chance for some minor to moderate radio blackouts through Wednesday, NOAA said, indicating some high-frequency radio communications could be impacted.
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Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?
A view line marking a minimal opportunity sweeps just below the Canadian border, suggesting the northern lights will have a low chance of appearing in northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, northern Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota, Upper Michigan and northern Wisconsin. Most of Alaska and northern Canada will have a higher chance. (See map below.)
Monday night’s view line.
What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?
A north-facing, high vantage point will likely be the best spot to observe the northern lights, which are best seen between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.
What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?
If using a smartphone, NOAA recommends enabling night mode, turning off flash and lowering the camera’s shutter speed. With a regular camera, photography experts told National Geographic it’s best to use a wide-angle lens, an F-stop or aperture of four or less and a focus set to the furthest possible setting.
Key Background
Solar events like geomagnetic storms and solar flares are what cause the northern lights to form, as electrons from these events interact with nitrogen and oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere. This interaction causes these electrons to become “excited” before releasing the colorful, swirling displays of the aurora borealis. A peak in solar events was reached in October 2024, NOAA and NASA said, as a “solar maximum” was achieved. This peak will likely persist into early 2026, meaning the northern lights should consistently be more visible in more states. The strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades impacted Earth in May 2024, NASA said, which pulled the northern lights as far south as northern Florida and Texas.
