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Northern Lights Illuminate Northern U.S. for Second Consecutive Night

A moderate geomagnetic storm has already brought auroras to states from Washington to Michigan ahead of a June 25 peak.

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Overview

  • NOAA’s Kp index has reached 4, indicating moderate geomagnetic activity that has pushed auroras farther south than usual.
  • Spectacular northern lights have been reported since the evening of June 23 across northern Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.
  • Forecasters expect the three-night aurora event to continue through June 25, with the brightest display on its final evening.
  • Skywatchers are advised to view the aurora after sunset and before sunrise in locations free from light pollution for optimal visibility.
  • The current solar maximum, which began in October 2024, is driving increased solar eruptions and geomagnetic storms and is forecast to last through 2026.