Northern Lights Forecast Tonight: Up To 9 States Could See The Aurora Borealis

Aug 01, 2026 12:26 AM - 1 day ago 48

Topline

The aurora borealis whitethorn make an quality successful up to 9 states Friday night, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which forecast mild auroral activity for a fistful of bluish U.S. states.

Northern lights (Aurora Borealis) illuminate the entity successful Alaska, United States connected April 03, 2026.

Photo by Hasan Akbas/Anadolu via Getty Images

Key Facts

A Kp scale of 4 has been issued for Friday night, meaning the aurora tin beryllium “quite pleasing” to look astatine for group successful the correct places.

Geomagnetic storms, which tin fortify bluish lights showings, person not been forecast for Friday.

Those hoping to get different look astatine the bluish lights could perchance hold until Saturday, arsenic NOAA has forecast somewhat stronger auroral activity and a Kp scale of five.

Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?

Areas included successful Friday night’s forecast see northeastern Washington, the bluish extremity of Idaho, northeastern Montana, North Dakota, the northernmost stretches of South Dakota, bluish Minnesota, the bluish extremity of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Alaska will person the champion chance of seeing the bluish lights.

Friday night's aurora forecast.

NOAA

What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?

Between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. usually provides the champion viewing of the bluish lights, arsenic do precocious vantage points and places pinch small to nary ray pollution.

What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?

Smartphone users should debar utilizing flash and usage nighttime mode connected their devices if possible. If applicable, photos tin beryllium taken pinch debased apertures, wide-angle lenses and tripods.

Key Background

The bluish lights are created by charged particles from the sun entering Earth's magnetic section and precocious atmosphere. Solar flares from the sun happened consistently successful 2024, erstwhile the sun reached the highest of its 11-year star cycle, marking a 500-year precocious successful auroral activity. However, the much clip that passes from the peak, bluish lights showings are expected to decrease.