Highlights
- Saturday night’s KP index is forecasted at 3, meaning moderate aurora visibility.
- Sunday night will see a KP index of 4, increasing chances for Northern Lights sightings.
- Best viewing states include northern Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota.
- Find dark skies and clear weather for optimal Northern Lights viewing.
- Use night mode and low shutter speeds on smartphones to capture aurora photos.
- Increased solar activity through 2026 may result in more frequent aurora events.
People in certain parts of the northern U.S. have a rare chance to witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights this weekend, thanks to increased solar activity predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The agency’s latest update reveals that while Saturday night’s KP index will be lower, Sunday offers a greater chance to see this stunning natural display.
With solar storms driving the spectacle, viewers in places like Montana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin could be treated to the Aurora Borealis between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. on both nights.
Let’s discuss when and where to see the lights, and how you can maximize your chances of capturing the moment.
Where Can You See the Northern Lights on Saturday?
On Saturday night, the NOAA forecasts a KP index of 3, signaling moderate aurora activity. While not as strong as the previous nights’ showings, northern slivers of several U.S. states will still have a chance to witness the Northern Lights.
The regions with the highest chances include:
- Northern Washington
- Northern Idaho
- All of North Dakota
- Northern Montana
- Northern Minnesota
- Northern Wisconsin
If you’re located in one of these states, make sure to find an area with minimal light pollution for the best viewing experience.
Although Saturday’s KP index is not as high as during the storm earlier in the week, the display is still expected to be visible to the north, especially if skies remain clear.
Where Will the Aurora Borealis Be on Sunday?
Sunday night is shaping up to be an even better opportunity for skywatchers. The KP index is expected to rise to 4, which increases the chances of the aurora being visible across a broader area.
People in more states will be in the viewing line, including parts of:
- Washington
- Idaho
- Montana
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- Maine
It’s important to note that the farther north you are in these states, the higher your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
While residents in northern areas of these states have a good shot at seeing the lights, those further south—closer to the viewing line—will have a lower likelihood.
Why Are the Northern Lights Visible Now?
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, occur when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s magnetic field, creating colorful displays in the night sky.
This natural phenomenon tends to be stronger during periods of increased solar activity, such as geomagnetic storms.
This weekend’s aurora forecast comes just days after an unusually strong geomagnetic storm pushed the Northern Lights as far south as Texas.
That storm, with a KP index of 8, created an unforgettable experience for many skywatchers.
While the upcoming displays won’t be as widespread, space weather experts are predicting more solar activity in the coming months, increasing the chances of more frequent auroras.
Forecasters expect this rise in activity to continue into late 2024 and through 2026 due to an increase in sunspots and geomagnetic storms.
How to Maximize Your Viewing Chances
Here are some simple tips to increase your chances of catching the Northern Lights this weekend:
- Go North: The closer you are to the northern part of your state, the better your odds.
- Find Dark Skies: Light pollution from cities can make it hard to see the aurora. Try heading to rural areas or parks with little artificial light.
- Check the Weather: Clear skies are crucial. If there’s cloud cover in your area, it might block your view.
- Time It Right: The best time to see the Northern Lights is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Be prepared to stay up late for your best chance at a view.
Can You Capture the Northern Lights on Your Phone?
Yes, capturing the aurora borealis on your smartphone is possible, but you’ll need to make a few adjustments:
- Use Night Mode: Most smartphones now come with a night mode feature, which helps in low-light conditions.
- Lower Shutter Speed: Adjusting your phone’s settings to lower shutter speeds can help you capture the aurora’s movement across the sky. This will allow more light into your camera sensor.
- Steady Your Phone: Using a tripod or resting your phone on a stable surface can reduce blur and help you take clearer photos.
If you’re using a professional camera, be sure to manually adjust your settings. Set a high ISO, open your aperture, and increase the exposure time to capture more detail.
What is the KP Index?
The KP index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity, ranging from 0 to 9. A KP index of 0 means no geomagnetic activity, while a 9 represents extreme activity, which often leads to widespread auroras.
This weekend, the forecasted KP index is 3 on Saturday and 4 on Sunday. While these values are lower compared to Thursday’s storm, they still represent good opportunities for aurora sightings in the northern U.S.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the KP index and aurora visibility:
- KP 0-2: Very low geomagnetic activity, auroras limited to extreme northern latitudes.
- KP 3-4: Moderate activity, auroras visible in the northern U.S.
- KP 5-6: Stronger activity, auroras visible in central U.S. states.
- KP 7-8: Severe activity, auroras visible as far south as Texas and the Gulf Coast.
- KP 9: Extreme geomagnetic storm, auroras visible in many parts of the world.
While this weekend’s forecast doesn’t call for the same intense activity as earlier in the week, the increase in solar activity throughout 2024 could result in more frequent aurora borealis events.
