Tonight’s Northern Lights Forecast: Discover Which 6 States May Experience the Stunning Aurora Borealis!

Many people in the northern U.S. might catch the northern lights this Saturday night. Forecasters say there could be a minor display, and activity may increase through the weekend.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a Kp index of three, which allows the aurora to spread further south than usual. This means folks in places like North Dakota and areas around Minnesota and Wisconsin may get a chance to see it. Sunday offers another opportunity, with the Kp index expected to rise to four, possibly allowing the aurora to dip even lower.

Best viewing spots for Saturday include the northern parts of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan’s upper peninsula. The chances improve the further north you go. In fact, last year saw a peak in auroral activity as the sun reached a “solar maximum.” According to NASA, we can expect good northern lights conditions through 2025 thanks to continued solar events.

So, if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse, plan to head outside between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Find a spot away from city lights, ideally at a higher elevation, for the best view. Bring a tripod if you’re photographing the lights: this helps steady your shots. Smartphones work well too—just use the night mode for clarity.

Interestingly, auroras are caused by solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which interact with molecules in our atmosphere. This interaction creates those stunning lights in the sky, dancing in various colors.

Stay tuned for more updates on this weekend’s auroral activity, and keep your eyes on the sky!

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