Skywatchers across a significant portion of the United States may have the opportunity to witness the aurora borealis overnight, according to the latest forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center. The agency has indicated that geomagnetic storm conditions could push the visibility of the northern lights far south of their typical range, potentially making them visible in areas as far south as Alabama and northern California.
The forecast stems from a coronal hole high-speed stream impacting Earth’s magnetosphere, which has triggered a G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm watch for the coming hours. Such conditions enhance auroral activity and can expand the auroral oval toward lower latitudes, increasing the likelihood of sightings in regions that rarely experience the phenomenon. Even as the exact extent of visibility depends on local weather and light pollution, NOAA’s experimental aurora forecast model suggests that under optimal conditions, the display could be visible across much of the northern tier of the U.S. And parts of the Midwest and Northeast.
According to NOAA’s 30-minute forecast tool, which provides short-term predictions of auroral visibility, the highest probability of sightings is expected in Alaska, Canada, and the northern contiguous states, including Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. However, the model also shows a lower but non-zero probability extending into the central and southern Appalachians, as well as parts of the Pacific Northwest and northern California.
Space weather experts note that while the current geomagnetic activity is not expected to reach the intensity of extreme storms that can disrupt power grids or satellite operations, it is sufficient to produce vivid auroral displays under dark, clear skies. The best viewing times are typically between 10 p.m. And 2 a.m. Local time, when the sky is darkest and the auroral oval is most aligned with the observer’s location.
To maximize chances of seeing the aurora, observers are advised to seek locations away from city lights, with an unobstructed view toward the northern horizon. Checking local cloud cover forecasts and allowing eyes to adjust to darkness for at least 20 minutes can also improve visibility. Cameras with long-exposure capabilities may capture the aurora even when it is faint or not clearly visible to the naked eye.
The current space weather activity is part of the sun’s ongoing progression toward solar maximum, the peak of its approximately 11-year activity cycle, which is expected to occur in 2025. During this phase, increased sunspot activity and coronal mass ejections raise the frequency of geomagnetic storms, offering more opportunities for auroral sightings at lower latitudes than usual.
NOAA continues to monitor solar wind conditions in real time using data from spacecraft such as the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR), which orbits at the L1 Lagrange point between Earth and the sun. This positioning allows DSCOVR to provide 15 to 60 minutes of advance warning of incoming solar wind shifts, helping forecasters refine aurora predictions.
While the aurora borealis is most commonly associated with high-latitude regions like Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia, strong geomagnetic events can temporarily shift the auroral zone equatorward. Historical examples include the intense geomagnetic storm of March 1989, which produced auroras visible as far south as Texas and Florida, and the Halloween storms of 2003, which were seen across much of the southern United States.
For the most current updates on aurora visibility, the public can consult NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website, which offers experimental aurora forecasts, real-time solar wind data, and geomagnetic activity indices. The agency also provides email alerts for significant space weather events through its subscription service.
As with all astronomical viewing, patience and preparation are key. Even when forecasts indicate favorable conditions, the aurora’s appearance can be unpredictable, varying in intensity, duration, and form—from quiet arcs to dynamic curtains and rapid pulsations.
Those who do witness the display are encouraged to share their observations and photos responsibly, contributing to citizen science efforts while respecting private property and local regulations when viewing from public or rural areas.
Stay informed about future space weather events by visiting the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center’s official page for the latest forecasts and alerts.
If you’ve seen the aurora borealis recently or have tips for fellow skywatchers, we invite you to share your experience in the comments below and help others catch the next celestial show.