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Northern Lights Possible Across Northern U.S. This Weekend, With Best Odds Friday Night

NOAA pegs Friday night as the peak window with Kp near four.

Overview

  • NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center expects a high‑speed solar wind stream from a coronal hole to arrive late Friday into Saturday, elevating geomagnetic activity.
  • Two M‑class eruptions on Dec. 12 (M2.0 and M1.1) launched CMEs that scientists are still evaluating for an Earth‑directed path.
  • Forecasts call for Kp around 4 on Friday, easing to about 3 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday.
  • Aurora chances are focused on higher latitudes including Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Montana and Maine.
  • The prime viewing window is roughly 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. local time under clear, dark skies, and real‑time checks via NOAA’s 30‑minute aurora outlook or dedicated apps can refine expectations.