Northern Lights Forecasted for Up to 10 U.S. States Over Two Nights

NOAA predicts auroral displays on Wednesday and Thursday nights, with visibility dependent on local conditions and geomagnetic activity levels.

The NOAA forecast indicates the aurora borealis may be visible in up to 10 U.S. states, including Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, South Dakota, and Maine.
Geomagnetic activity is measured using the Kp index, with Wednesday's forecast at a Kp index of 3 and Thursday's at 4, suggesting stronger potential for auroral visibility on Thursday.
Auroras occur when solar particles collide with Earth's magnetic field, creating energy that lights up the upper atmosphere in colorful displays.
Viewing conditions will vary based on local factors such as cloud cover, light pollution, and the intensity of geomagnetic activity at specific times.
NOAA advises heading to dark, unobstructed, north-facing locations between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. for the best chance of seeing the lights.