Geomagnetic activity increases chances of aurora borealis over northern U.S.
A “minor” geomagnetic storm is brewing over North America this evening, Monday, June 10, following the effects of a coronal mass ejection (CME) that erupted from the Sun on June 6. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the aurora borealis could make an appearance tonight across multiple northern states, offering a rare celestial show well beyond typical viewing zones.
NOAA outlook: Kp index forecast and potential visibility
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center forecasts a Kp index of 3 on the nine-point geomagnetic scale for tonight, suggesting moderate auroral activity. However, there’s a possibility that the Kp could rise slightly above 4, increasing the odds for visibility across parts of the Northern Plains and the Upper Midwest.
That means skywatchers in Maine, South Dakota, Montana, northern Minnesota, Upper Michigan, and northern Wisconsin might have a chance to catch a glow of color in the night sky. Visibility will depend heavily on local cloud cover, light pollution, and geomagnetic fluctuations in real time.
Where and when to look for the northern lights
The best timeframe to witness the aurora borealis remains between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. local time. Optimal viewing conditions will be in dark, elevated, and unobstructed areas that face north. While the aurora oval is most prominent over Alaska and central Canada, northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, and North Dakota are also on the fringe of the visibility zone tonight.
Forecasts for Tuesday, June 11, and Wednesday, June 12, show similar expectations, with the Kp index hovering around 3 to 4, indicating sustained moderate potential for auroras in the same geographic corridor.
Why solar activity is increasing in 2025
This burst of solar energy follows heightened solar flare activity linked to the approach of the solar maximum, predicted by NASA to peak in October 2024. Solar maxima occur roughly every 11 years and are characterized by an increase in sunspots, solar flares, and CMEs, all of which can fuel geomagnetic storms on Earth.
A notable comparison comes from last year, when a powerful storm enabled northern lights visibility in all 50 states, an event not seen in decades. As we progress deeper into this solar cycle, events like tonight’s will likely become more frequent and intense through at least early 2026.
Visual tips for photographers hoping to capture the aurora
For those hoping to preserve the moment, National Geographic photographers suggest using a tripod, a wide-angle lens, and keeping the aperture at f/4 or lower. For smartphones, NASA advises enabling night mode, turning off flash, and selecting a long exposure time, when available.
Tonight’s atmospheric conditions could gift some areas in the continental United States with a dazzling display typically reserved for more polar latitudes. Stay tuned to NOAA’s real-time aurora map to monitor the shifting visibility line throughout the night.
