The northern lights could appear in up to 10 states Friday night, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that forecasts mild auroral activity ahead of the weekend. A Kp index of five has been released for Friday night, which according to NOAA, means the aurora can be “quite pleasing” to look at for those in the right areas.

Moderate geomagnetic storm impacts, which are capable of strengthening northern lights showings, are forecast for Friday night. If forecasts hold, observers in the U.S. will likely not have as good a chance to see the northern lights Saturday night, which holds a Kp index of three.

For related coverage, explore our detailed analysis on Technology and Digital Systems.

Noaa’S Forecast Shows Aurora Updates

NOAA’s forecast map shows the aurora borealis may be visible in areas including northern Washington, the northern tip of Idaho, much of Montana, Wyoming near the Montana border, North Dakota, northern South Dakota, northern Minnesota, the northern tip of Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and northern Michigan. Alaska will have a much higher chance of seeing the northern lights than the lower 48.

Observers should try to get a look at the northern lights between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. using high vantage points.

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Areas with little to no light pollution can also help. Less moonlight can also improve visibility, though Friday is set for a full moon. Smartphone users should avoid using flash and instead use night mode if possible.

People Traditional Cameras Should Updates

People with traditional cameras should use low apertures, wide-angle lenses and tripods. Northern lights showings reached a 500-year high in 2024 as the sun reached the peak of its 11-year solar cycle. Auroral activity has tapered off since then and is expected to decrease even more

The northern lights could appear in up to 10 states Friday night, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that forecasts mild auroral activity ahead of the weekend.

A Kp index of five has been delivered for Friday night, which according to NOAA, means the aurora can be “quite pleasing” to look at for those in the right areas.

Moderate geomagnetic storm impacts, which are capable of strengthening northern lights showings, are forecast for Friday night.