The northern lights, or auroras, are set to put on an extraordinary show for skywatchers across parts of the United States this weekend, thanks to an ongoing geomagnetic storm. As Earth experiences turbulent space weather, including a solar storm that struck on June 12-13, the aurora oval, the region where the lights typically form, may shift further south than usual. This is a rare opportunity for sky enthusiasts in states that don’t often see the aurora to catch a glimpse of the vibrant phenomenon.

18 U.S. States Could Witness the Aurora Tonight and Over the Weekend

According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), the effects of the solar storm, along with a co-rotating interaction region (CIR) in the solar wind, are expected to bring the northern lights to a wider swath of the northern U.S. than normal. The NOAA SWPC has issued a moderate (G2) geomagnetic storm warning for June 14, meaning that the aurora oval could extend further south, potentially visible in areas as far south as Wyoming and New York.

The 18 states most likely to catch the show include:

Alaska

Montana

North Dakota

Minnesota

Wisconsin

Michigan

South Dakota

Maine

Vermont

New Hampshire

Idaho

Washington

Oregon

New York

Massachusetts

Connecticut

Rhode Island

Wyoming

Aurora forecast for tonight courtesy of the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. (Image credit: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center)

How Geomagnetic Storms Cause the Northern Lights to Be Visible Farther South

Geomagnetic storms are triggered by disturbances in Earth’s magnetic field, often caused by solar winds or solar storms. When a solar storm reaches Earth, it disrupts the magnetic field, creating what is known as a geomagnetic storm. These storms are ranked on a G-scale, ranging from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). A G2 storm, which is moderate, has enough force to push the aurora oval—usually concentrated near the poles—further south, creating an opportunity for skywatchers in northern regions of the U.S. to view the phenomenon.

On June 12-13, a moderate G2 storm struck Earth, with a subsequent CIR—a region in the solar wind where fast-moving particles collide with slower-moving ones—expected to affect space weather conditions around June 14. This turbulent space weather has made it likely that 18 U.S. states will experience northern lights over the coming days.

Ideal Conditions for Viewing the Northern Lights

While the geomagnetic activity itself is a crucial factor for aurora visibility, other conditions can impact your chances of seeing the lights. The best time to witness the northern lights is typically between 1-2 a.m., when the sky is darkest. However, there are several other factors to consider:

Cloud Cover: Clear skies are essential for seeing the aurora. Even if the geomagnetic conditions are right, thick cloud cover can obscure the lights.

Clear skies are essential for seeing the aurora. Even if the geomagnetic conditions are right, thick cloud cover can obscure the lights. Light Pollution: For the best viewing experience, head to a dark, north-facing location away from city lights.

For the best viewing experience, head to a dark, north-facing location away from city lights. Shorter Nights: As we approach the summer solstice on June 20/21, the nights grow shorter, so you’ll need to catch the northern lights in the early morning hours to have a good chance of seeing them.

Tracking the Space Weather and Northern Lights

For those eager to track space weather and get the latest updates on when and where the aurora may appear, there are several apps available that offer real-time forecasts. Two popular options include “My Aurora Forecast & Alerts” and “Space Weather Live”. Both apps allow users to check the likelihood of auroras based on their location, ensuring they don’t miss the celestial light show. Additionally, NOAA provides a comprehensive and experimental tool, the Aurora Viewline tool, which allows users to track the likelihood of auroras and view the regions most affected by space weather in real time.