Nearly one-third of the United States could see the northern lights overnight as a surge of solar wind triggers geomagnetic storms stretching auroral visibility as far south as Illinois and Oregon, according to forecasts from NOAA and the U.K. Met Office.
The solar wind, traveling at up to 430 miles per second, is expected to interact with Earth’s magnetic field late on April 17 and into April 18, potentially sparking G2 to G3 level geomagnetic storms. Such storms can push the aurora borealis well beyond its typical polar range, making it visible across mid-latitude regions where sightings are rare.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center issued a moderate G2 geomagnetic storm watch for the period, with forecasters noting a chance of stronger G3 bursts if solar wind intensity increases. The Kp index, a measure of geomagnetic activity, reached level 4 for the night, indicating conditions favorable for auroral displays that are “quite pleasing to gaze at” under optimal viewing conditions.
Visibility is expected to be strongest between 10 p.m. And 2 a.m. Local time, when skies are darkest and auroral activity typically peaks. Observers are advised to seek locations with minimal light pollution, face north and allow at least 30 minutes for their eyes to adjust to darkness. Elevated vantage points can further improve chances of sighting the phenomenon.
States within the predicted viewing band include Alaska, northern Washington, northern Idaho, most of Montana, northeastern Wyoming, North Dakota, northern South Dakota, northeast Nebraska, Minnesota, much of Iowa, Wisconsin, northern Illinois, northern Indiana, both peninsulas of Michigan, northern Ohio, much of Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The highest likelihood of sightings is concentrated in Alaska, northern Montana, northern North Dakota, and northern Minnesota.
For more on this story, see Coronal hole triggers aurora visibility across Illinois and Oregon this weekend.
This event marks the second consecutive night of elevated auroral activity, following a similarly active weekend that brought visibility to 20 states. The current display coincides with the ongoing phase of the sun’s 11-year solar cycle, which peaked in October 2024 and continues to elevate the frequency of solar storms and associated auroral displays.
While auroras are a visual spectacle, they as well serve as indicators of space weather that can affect critical infrastructure. NOAA notes that geomagnetic disturbances associated with such events can interfere with high-frequency radio communications, degrade GPS accuracy, and induce currents in power grids that may impact electric transmission systems.
Photographers seeking to capture the display are advised to employ tripods, enable night mode or long exposure settings on cameras or smartphones, and avoid using flash, which can wash out faint emissions. Low aperture settings help gather more light in dark conditions.
The phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the solar wind collide with oxygen and nitrogen in Earth’s upper atmosphere, exciting the gases and causing them to emit light — the characteristic green, red, and purple hues of the aurora borealis.
How rare is it to see the northern lights this far south?
Visibility of the aurora as far south as Illinois and Oregon is uncommon and typically occurs only during stronger geomagnetic storms, making this event a notable opportunity for observers in mid-latitude regions.
What time should I look for the northern lights tonight?
The best viewing window is between 10 p.m. And 2 a.m. Local time, when auroral activity peaks and skies are darkest, though activity may begin as early as sunset and continue into the pre-dawn hours.
Do I need special equipment to see or photograph the aurora?
No special equipment is needed to see the aurora with the naked eye under dark, clear skies; for photography, a tripod and camera with night mode or long exposure capability are recommended to capture faint details without blur.
