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Sunday, June 9, 2025 \u2014 NEW YORK<\/strong> \u2014 Tonight, northern states across the U.S.<\/strong> may be treated to a rare and vivid display of the aurora borealis<\/strong>, as a minor geomagnetic storm<\/strong> brings the northern lights<\/strong> into view far beyond the usual Arctic latitudes.<\/p>\n According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)<\/strong>, tonight\u2019s geomagnetic storm<\/strong> has a Kp index of 5<\/strong>, placing it within the \u201cminor storm\u201d G1 category<\/strong>. This level is strong enough to produce clear auroras<\/strong> in skies across higher latitudes<\/strong> and possibly some lower-latitude regions, depending on local weather and light pollution conditions.<\/p>\n These Kp-5 events<\/strong> often deliver brilliant green and violet waves<\/strong> in the sky, visible without special equipment from suitable dark areas. Although the G1 classification<\/strong> implies only minimal risk<\/strong> to power grids and satellites, the main attraction is visual: brighter, highly visible auroras<\/strong> for much of the northern part of the continent.<\/p>\n The aurora forecast map places almost all of Alaska<\/strong> and Canada<\/strong> within the high-probability visibility zone<\/strong>. In the United States<\/strong>, northern and northeastern regions<\/strong> are best positioned.<\/p>\n Strong visibility chances<\/strong> are expected in:<\/p>\n Washington<\/strong>, Montana<\/strong>, North Dakota<\/strong>, and Minnesota<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Areas along the southern edge of NOAA\u2019s view line<\/strong> may also catch a glimpse under the right conditions. These include:<\/p>\n Idaho<\/strong>, South Dakota<\/strong>, Nebraska<\/strong>, Iowa<\/strong>, Wisconsin<\/strong>, Michigan<\/strong>, New York<\/strong>, New Hampshire<\/strong>, Vermont<\/strong>, and Maine<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Aurora activity is forecast to weaken by Monday night<\/strong>, when only about six states<\/strong> are projected to remain within the visibility zone.<\/p>\n The ideal viewing window<\/strong> is from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. local time<\/strong>, when the geomagnetic activity<\/strong> is typically strongest. For the best experience:<\/p>\n Seek dark skies<\/strong>, away from urban light pollution<\/strong>. Photographers suggest using a wide-angle lens<\/strong> with a tripod<\/strong> to reduce shake. An aperture value of 4.0 or lower<\/strong> will allow more light into the camera, which helps capture the aurora\u2019s movement and detail.<\/p>\n Smartphone users\u2014especially with iPhones<\/strong>\u2014should switch to night mode<\/strong>, and frame shots to include trees, mountains, or water reflections<\/strong> for added composition.<\/p>\n The Sun is currently in its \u201csolar maximum\u201d<\/strong>, a peak in its 11-year cycle, leading to heightened solar flare activity<\/strong>. In fact, 2024 marked a 500-year high<\/strong> in auroral events according to NASA<\/strong>, and experts forecast continued strong geomagnetic storms<\/strong> through the remainder of 2025<\/strong>.<\/p>\n In May 2024<\/strong>, powerful solar flares caused rare auroras visible across all 50 U.S. states<\/strong>, an event not seen in decades. Tonight\u2019s auroras are part of that same high-activity solar pattern<\/strong>, though with less intensity<\/strong> than the record-breaking May flares.<\/p>\n Stay tuned<\/strong> for more updates as aurora activity<\/strong> continues during this exceptional solar cycle<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sunday, June 9, 2025 \u2014 NEW YORK \u2014 Tonight, northern states across the U.S. may be treated to a rare and vivid display of the aurora borealis, as a minor geomagnetic storm brings the northern lights into view far beyond the usual Arctic latitudes. Why tonight\u2019s aurora is special According to the National Oceanic and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":3839,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3838","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n<\/h3>\n
Why tonight\u2019s aurora is special<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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States most likely to see the northern lights<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Best time and place to watch<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nHead north<\/strong> and try to find a higher elevation<\/strong> like a hill, open field<\/strong>, or lakeside<\/strong>.
\nCloudless conditions are essential\u2014check your local forecast<\/strong> for sky clarity.<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
How to photograph the aurora borealis<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Background: why auroras are surging now<\/strong><\/h3>\n