Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?
NOAA’s forecast map shows the aurora borealis may be visible in areas includingnorthern Washington, the northern tip of Idaho, much of Montana, Wyoming near the Montana border, North Dakota, northern South Dakota, northern Minnesota, the northern tip of Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and northern Michigan. Alaska will have a much higher chance of seeing the northern lights than the lower 48.
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What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?
Observers should try to get a look at the northern lights between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. using high vantage points. Areas with little to no light pollution can also help. Less moonlight can also improve visibility, though Friday is set for a full moon.
What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?
Smartphone users should avoid using flash and instead use night mode if possible. People with traditional cameras should use low apertures, wide-angle lenses and tripods.
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Key Background
Northern lights showings reached a 500-year high in 2024 as the sun reached the peak of its 11-year solar cycle. Auroral activity has tapered off since then and is expected to decrease even more by 2027, making this year one of the best opportunities to get a glimpse of the northern lights as more time passes from the peak of the solar cycle.
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Further Reading
Aurora Dashboard (NOAA)