Geomagnetic activity could paint skies tonight over Northern U.S.
Tuesday, May 21, 2025 – New York – A rare opportunity to witness the Northern Lights may arrive tonight for parts of the northern United States, as geomagnetic conditions become favorable for aurora visibility, according to a fresh update from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Where to expect aurora borealis tonight
The latest auroral forecast shows a Kp index of 3 on a scale of 0 to 9, suggesting moderate geomagnetic activity strong enough to push the auroral oval farther south than usual. While Canada and Alaska will enjoy the clearest views, select parts of the Lower 48 may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse—weather permitting.
The best visibility tonight may occur in the following U.S. states:
Northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and Upper Michigan. These regions lie just below the NOAA’s auroral visibility line, making them prime candidates for observing the display, especially under clear skies and low light pollution.
When and how to view the aurora
The prime time to watch the northern lights is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, according to NOAA. Viewers are advised to position themselves at higher altitudes, face north, and find locations well away from urban lighting for the best chance to see the spectacle.
Although major geomagnetic storms aren’t anticipated through Thursday, there may be short-lived active periods tonight and into Wednesday due to a coronal hole—a cooler, less dense region on the sun’s surface that can accelerate solar wind, subtly enhancing auroral activity.
How to photograph tonight’s aurora
For those hoping to capture the aurora borealis on camera, experts suggest using a wide-angle lens, setting the aperture (F-stop) to 4 or lower, and focusing to infinity. A tripod is essential to prevent motion blur during long exposures.
Smartphone users can also join in the action—enable night mode, turn off flash, and stabilize your device to boost image clarity.
Why this matters: approaching solar maximum
The U.S. is currently in the midst of heightened solar activity after reaching a solar maximum in October 2024, part of the sun’s 11-year cycle. This period brings more frequent solar flares and coronal mass ejections, creating more chances for the northern lights to be seen at lower latitudes.
These solar events unleash electrons that collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. As those atoms return to their normal state, they emit the dazzling greens, purples, and reds of the aurora borealis.
Tonight may be one of those special moments where science meets spectacle, lighting up skies from Alaska to the Great Lakes.
