Stargazers, Look Up! Northern Lights Are Coming Back This Week
If you’re living in the northern U.S., you might just be in for a cosmic treat. The aurora borealis, more famously known as the northern lights, are expected to be visible in several states over the next three nights — starting Monday, June 23, through Wednesday, June 25.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a moderate G2 geomagnetic storm is expected due to a coronal hole on the sun, which is sending high-speed solar wind toward Earth. This may cause dazzling aurora activity that could stretch as far south as New York, Oregon, and South Dakota, especially in dark rural skies.
Where Can You See the Northern Lights in the U.S.?
NOAA’s latest forecast places 14 U.S. states under potential aurora visibility for June 25. States with the best chance of catching the show include:
- Alaska
- Minnesota
- North Dakota
- Montana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Wisconsin
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Washington
- Oregon
- Idaho
- New York
- South Dakota
If you’re lucky to be in one of these states — and you’re far from city lights — you might just see a colorful ribbon of green or purple light dance across the night sky.
What Time to Look Up?
Your best bet is to head out just after sunset and continue watching till before sunrise. The auroras are not visible during daylight, and even bright twilight may wash them out.
According to NOAA’s Kp index, the expected activity could hit Kp 5 to 5.67, which falls into the moderate storm range. That’s good enough to move the aurora oval far enough south for U.S. visibility.
The most intense activity is expected on the final night (June 25) — so mark your calendars. That said, the first two nights might also surprise you, especially if skies stay clear.
How to See the Northern Lights (Without Fancy Equipment)
You don’t need telescopes or any fancy gear. Just a clear sky, patience, and distance from light pollution.
Drive out to the countryside or any rural location. Cities, streetlights, and glowing buildings will ruin your chances. The darker the spot, the better the glow.
Also, keep checking NOAA’s 30-minute aurora forecast or apps like Glendale Aurora App for real-time updates on solar wind and viewing conditions. Auroras are tricky — sometimes they surprise us, and other times they stay quiet despite forecasts.
Want to Take a Picture? You Can!
Modern smartphones can capture the aurora, but you’ll need to turn on Night Mode or use a long-exposure camera setting. Tripods help a lot too — even a slight shake can ruin a good shot in the dark.
Avoid zooming too much and keep your frame wide. You’ll thank yourself later.
Note from Sky Watchers
One important thing: while these forecasts are promising, auroras are never guaranteed. Solar storms don’t always behave the way we expect. Still, when conditions line up, the results are unforgettable — vibrant curtains of color flowing silently across the sky.
So even if you’re not sure you’ll see them, it’s definitely worth checking the sky before bed. You never know what’s waiting above.
Why Do Northern Lights Happen?
The aurora borealis occurs when charged particles from the sun slam into Earth’s magnetic field. These particles flow down magnetic lines toward the North and South Poles, colliding with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the upper atmosphere.
Those collisions create energy — and that energy gets released as light. The result? A natural light show, glowing in shades of green, purple, red, and occasionally even blue.
