Discover Where to Catch the Northern Lights: 14 US States to Watch on June 25!

Hey, aurora chasers! Exciting news is on the horizon for June 25. A stream of solar wind from the sun is expected to create G1 to G2 geomagnetic storms, which means you might catch a glimpse of the northern lights across 14 U.S. states.

The NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has predicted that the Kp index will peak at around 5.67. This puts us in a moderate G2 storm category. The higher the Kp index, the more likely we are to see spectacular auroras, even in states far from the Arctic Circle, like New York, Oregon, and South Dakota, especially in dark areas free from light pollution.

The UK Met Office has also noted that even though solar activity is low, a strong solar wind is expected to hit late on June 25, increasing the chances for auroras at higher latitudes. However, early summer means shorter nights and lingering twilight, which might make it tricky to see them clearly.

If you’re in the U.S., Alaska is your best bet for viewing the northern lights. If the storm hits as predicted, scenarios could allow auroras to be visible as far south as New York and Idaho. Here are the states where you might see the lights:

1. Alaska
2. Minnesota
3. North Dakota
4. Montana
5. Maine
6. Michigan
7. Wisconsin
8. Vermont
9. New Hampshire
10. Washington
11. Oregon
12. Idaho
13. New York
14. South Dakota

Auroras can be unpredictable, appearing much farther south or barely showing up at all. The weather, solar activity, and your local light conditions all play a role. So stay hopeful, but remember: it’s a bit of a gamble!

For the best chance to see the lights, head to a north-facing area with minimal light interference. Plan to watch around 1 a.m. local time, as the window of darkness narrows in the summer.

Happy hunting, and may the skies light up for you!

For more information on space weather, check out the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

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