Archive · 11 Jun 2025
Northern Lights May Be Visible Tonight Across Northern US States
Imagine the sun is like a giant lightbulb, and sometimes it shoots out tiny pieces of itself towards Earth.
When these pieces hit Earth's atmosphere, they bump into gases like oxygen and nitrogen, making them glow in beautiful colors!
This is called the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights.
Tonight, some states in the northern part of the US have a chance to see them.
It's like the sun is putting on a special show!
To see them best, go somewhere dark and look towards the north.
The sun is extra active right now, which means more chances to see this amazing light show.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a chance to see the aurora borealis for some northern US states.
The Kp index is predicted to be 3 out of 9, potentially making the aurora visible further south.
Best viewing conditions are expected Tuesday night, with reduced activity on Wednesday and Thursday.
NOAA recommends viewing from a high, north-facing area with less light pollution between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.
Increased solar activity, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections, contribute to the visibility of the aurora.
- Who
- People in northern US states
- What
- The chance to see the aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights
- When
- Tuesday night, with lower activity expected on Wednesday and Thursday
- Where
- Northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
- Why
- Due to increased solar activity, specifically the sun being in a "solar maximum" phase
- Kp Index Forecast
- 3 out of 9
- Best Viewing Time
- 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. local time
- Recommended Location
- High, north-facing area with less pollution
- Solar Activity
- Solar maximum
- States with Potential Visibility
- Northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula