15 U.S. States Prepare for Enhanced Aurora Borealis Viewing

On the evening of Tuesday, July 22, 2025, residents across several northern U.S. states may have the rare opportunity to witness the northern lights, or aurora borealis, as geomagnetic storm conditions are expected to push this stunning natural phenomenon further south than usual. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a Kp index of five—on a scale ranging from zero to nine—indicates a higher likelihood of aurora visibility in areas typically too far south to see the lights.

The NOAA’s forecast suggests that geomagnetic activity will peak late Tuesday into early Wednesday, driven by solar winds emanating from a cooler, less dense area on the sun’s surface. This storm could lead to brighter and more active auroral displays, particularly in regions like northern Canada and Alaska, which traditionally experience the best views.

In the continental United States, states such as Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan are expected to have the highest chances of visibility. Further southern states including Wyoming, South Dakota, Iowa, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine may also witness the aurora, albeit with lower probabilities. This expansive forecast represents a significant opportunity for many to experience a natural spectacle that typically graces more northern latitudes.

“The northern lights are a captivating display of nature’s beauty, and this week’s geomagnetic storm offers a unique chance for many to witness them,” said Dr. Sarah Johnson, a solar physicist at the University of California, Berkeley. “The increased solar activity we are observing is linked to the solar maximum phase of the sun’s cycle, which is expected to continue into early 2026.”

To enhance viewing potential, NOAA advises individuals to seek out high vantage points facing north, away from light pollution, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Local time. For those interested in photography, experts recommend using a wide-angle lens with an aperture of f/4 or lower, ensuring the camera is set to focus on the furthest point possible. For smartphone users, disabling the flash and activating night mode can help capture the lights more effectively.

Historically, solar events such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections disrupt Earth’s geomagnetic field, leading to the aurora borealis. The current uptick in solar activity is significant, with NOAA and NASA noting that a 500-year peak in auroral activity was reached in 2024. As a result, the agencies predict more frequent and vibrant displays of the northern lights in the coming years.

In summary, as geomagnetic storm conditions approach, residents in fifteen states are encouraged to prepare for a potential viewing of the aurora borealis. This natural spectacle not only captivates the imagination but also serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our solar system. With the solar maximum phase ongoing, such opportunities may become more common, allowing more people to experience the awe of the northern lights in the near future.