Topline

Much of the northern US states could catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights on Thursday evening, according to a forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which predicts a strong manifestation of the natural phenomenon amid a potentially severe geomagnetic storm.

Key facts

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Where will the Northern Lights be visible on Thursday evening?

Parts of the northern United States are forecast to have a high chance of seeing the aurora, including Alaska and the northernmost parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin. The central and southern parts of those states have a slightly lower chance of seeing the phenomenon, as do Wyoming, South Dakota and northern Iowa. More than a dozen other states have a chance to see the Northern Lights in some areas: Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania , Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

How can you view the Northern Lights?

The best aurora can usually be viewed between 10pm and 2am in areas with little to no light pollution and clear skies. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also encourages Northern Lights viewers to watch from a vantage point such as a hill.

How can you photograph the lights?

Low shutter speeds and night mode will be crucial for those trying to take photos of the Northern Lights with their smartphones.

Important background

Should Thursday night’s forecast hold true, viewers in the northern US will have one of the best chances to see the Northern Lights in recent months, when KP indexes of four or five were typically forecast. Fortunately, for those who miss the aurora this time, solar activity is expected to increase, as the peak of Solar Cycle 25 should arrive between late 2024 and early 2026. The cycle could cause a jump in the number of sunspots and geomagnetic storms that could contribute to climate change. to stronger aurora forecasts.

Read more

In photos: Northern Lights seen around the world and in 30 US states (Forbes)