Topline
A group of states along the U.S. northern border could see the northern lights Wednesday night, according to a forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which has predicted a small chance of a geomagnetic storm capable of producing a more active aurora.
Northern lights activity has been above average in 2025. (Photo by Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)
PA Images via Getty Images
Key Facts
A Kp index of five was issued for Wednesday night, meaning there will be brighter, more active auroral activity for observers in the right areas.
The curved viewing line for the northern lights nearly touches the border of Minnesota and Iowa, with chances of seeing the natural phenomenon generally increasing the further north observers are from the line.
There is a small chance of a minor geomagnetic storm Wednesday night, according to NOAA, potentially increasing aurora visibility.
Observers will have a lesser chance of seeing aurora borealis Thursday, which has a reduced Kp index of three and a less expansive viewing line, according to NOAA.
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Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?
States within Wednesday’s viewing line (see map below) include Alaska, northern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, northern South Dakota, Minnesota, the Michigan Upper Peninsula, northern parts of the Michigan Lower Peninsula, northern Wisconsin and northern Maine.
Wednesday’s viewing line.
NOAA
What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?
The best viewing hours are typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., according to NOAA, which also encourages observers to be in areas with little to no light pollution. High vantage points can also help the chances of seeing the northern lights. Moonlight can reduce the apparent brightness of aurora borealis, however.
What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?
Tripods and low apertures can help get good photos of the northern lights, as can wide-angle lenses on traditional cameras. Smartphone users should not use night mode or flash when trying to snap photos of the aurora.
Key Background
The sun reached the peak of its 11-year solar cycle in 2024, contributing to solar flares and coronal mass ejections that lead to brighter and more active aurora showings. Despite the peak beginning last year, it has lasted well into 2025, which has been an above-average year for northern lights showings. Scientists predict that the increased activity will continue into 2026.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2025/10/29/northern-lights-forecast-10-states-could-see-aurora-borealis-wednesday/
