Northern Lights to Dazzle U.S. This Week Amid Solar Activity

NEW YORK, Feb. 27, 2025 – Some regions of the northern United States may experience a spectacular display of the aurora borealis this Thursday due to high-speed solar winds impacting Earth’s magnetic field, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported.

NOAA has forecasted a Kp index of four on a scale of nine for Thursday night, suggesting that the northern lights will be highly visible in specific areas. The agency noted that a coronal hole on the sun’s surface is expected to unleash a geomagnetic storm, which could expand the visibility of the aurora further south than usual.

“The northern lights will be quite pleasing to look at for those who are in the right areas,” said a spokesperson from NOAA.

According to NOAA’s predictions, the Kp index could rise to six later on Thursday evening, indicating that auroral activity may become “quite bright and active,” potentially visible in areas beyond the typical viewing range.

People in northern Canada and Alaska are expected to have the best chances of witnessing the phenomenon. However, the viewing line extends southward, covering areas of northeastern Washington, northern Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota, and Upper Michigan, which have a lower likelihood of sightings. Even parts of northern Idaho, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Maine hold thinner chances of visibility.

NOAA suggests that those hoping to catch a glimpse of the aurora should find a high vantage point, away from city lights, between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.

“The ideal conditions for viewing require dark skies,” NOAA explained in a statement.

For photography enthusiasts, National Geographic recommends using wide-angle lenses with an aperture of f/4 or lower, while smartphone users should activate night mode and turn off their flash for optimal results.

The aurora borealis is caused by electrons from solar events that interact with atoms and molecules in Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in the colorful displays. Activity on the sun’s surface recently reached a “solar maximum,” a peak in solar activity that began in October 2024 and is expected to continue through early 2026, according to NASA.

“The recent surge in solar events has led to historic aurora displays,” said a NASA scientist. “Last May, we experienced the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades, allowing the lights to shine as far south as Texas and northern Florida.”

As solar activity continues to escalate, enthusiasts and residents alike are looking forward to the stunning visual display set to illuminate the night sky in just days.