Northern Lights Forecasted to Illuminate U.S. Skies on Valentine's Day

A geomagnetic storm may bring the aurora borealis to parts of northern U.S. states tonight, offering a rare celestial display.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a Kp index of 5, indicating the northern lights may be visible farther south than usual.
States like Alaska, northern Minnesota, North Dakota, and parts of Montana, Wisconsin, and Michigan have the best chances of viewing the aurora borealis.
The optimal viewing time is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, with darker locations away from light pollution offering the best visibility.
This increased auroral activity is linked to the sun's current 'solar maximum,' a peak in its 11-year activity cycle, which enhances geomagnetic storms.
Experts recommend using night mode on smartphones or wide-angle lenses on cameras to capture the vibrant greens, pinks, and other hues of the northern lights.