Northern Lights Tonight: Aurora Borealis Chances Fade for US States This Week

Northern Lights Aurora Borealis Forecast: The excitement from a recent, powerful geomagnetic storm has begun to fade, as a new northern lights forecast shows a significant decline in aurora activity. According to the latest data from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, conditions are expected to be unsettled to active, with a low chance of G1 (Minor) storming. This means the stunning displays seen as far south as Colorado last week are unlikely to be repeated in the coming days.

The shift comes as the fast solar wind from a coronal hole that fueled the recent activity is gradually easing. While the solar maximum is an active period for the sun and future storms are expected, for now, the celestial light show is returning to its more typical high-latitude locations.

Current Northern Lights Forecast for the US States

NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center says that the auroral oval has gotten smaller since their last forecast for September 20–22, 2025. This means that most of the time, visibility will be limited to the northernmost areas. For people in the US who want to see the sky, Alaska and the northern-tier states are the best places to do so. The geomagnetic Kp-index, which measures how strong the disturbance in Earth's magnetic field is, is expected to reach its highest point in the next 24 hours, around 3–4. The aurora can usually only be seen in the continental US when the Kp index is 5 or higher.

Where and When to Look for the Next Northern Lights Show

There isn't much going on in the immediate future, but the sun is currently in its solar maximum phase, which means more celestial light shows are likely to happen soon. The peak season for viewing the northern lights is from late September through March, a period that coincides with the spring and fall equinoxes when geomagnetic activity tends to be stronger. The next chance for a widespread aurora event will depend on future solar activity, such as new solar flares or coronal holes.

For those still hoping to catch a glimpse, the best chance will be in Alaska, particularly in regions like Fairbanks, which is located directly under the auroral oval. Here's a quick guide:

Note: Viewing success depends heavily on local light pollution and cloud cover. The further north you are within a state, the better your chances. The northern lights will be visible tonight in Alaska and many parts of the US.

How to Spot the Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis?

For the best viewing experience, find a location with an unobstructed view of the northern horizon, like a field, a hilltop, or a lake shore. Give your eyes about 20-30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. While the human eye may only perceive a faint, grayish glow, cameras are much more sensitive and can often capture the vibrant colors of the aurora. A simple smartphone can work, especially with "night mode" on, but a DSLR camera with a tripod will give you the best results.

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This rare and beautiful display of the northern lights is a reminder of the dynamic power of our sun. The geomagnetic storm is a natural phenomenon that is both harmless and visually stunning. Grab a friend, find a dark spot, and enjoy this incredible show.