How to Watch the Last-Minute Northern Lights Display Tonight

Mar. 15, 2025

The Northern Lights.Photo:Artem Tsehelnyk/Suspilne Ukraine/JSC “UA:PBC”/Global Images Ukraine via Getty

Artem Tsehelnyk/Suspilne Ukraine/JSC “UA:PBC”/Global Images Ukraine via Getty

The auroras are at it again!

According to theNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA), a Kp index of four on a scale of nine is forecasted to start the weekend. This means the natural light display can be “quite pleasing” to see if looking at them from the right spot on Earth.

The solar wind escaping from the aforementioned coronal hole is moving at a velocity of more than 310 miles per second, expected to reach Earth on Friday which could trigger a minor geomagnetic storm (G1). Still, it could intensify auroral displays despite the storm’s lessened severity.

While northern lights are notably more common in polar regions near the Arctic Circle, geomagnetic storm watches have been forecast several times for parts of the United States in the past year.Exactly one month ago, NOAA predicted the auroras to be visible onNew Year’s Eve.

Regardless of the forecasts in space, however, visibility is dependent upon weather conditions here on Earth. Choosing a location away from bright city lights is in our control, but factors like fog and clouds that could shade the northern lights are up to Mother Nature.

Here’s when and how to spot the northern lights, likely to dazzle the night sky through the first few days of February.

When will the northern lights be visible?

The Northern Lights.JFK/APA/AFP via Getty

JFK/APA/AFP via Getty

The northern lights are expected to be strongest between Friday, Jan. 31, and Saturday, Feb. 1. The best time to view them is from 10:00 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.

There’s a slight chance the auroras will be visible on Sunday, Feb. 2, but you should check in withNOAA’s Space Weather Conditionsfor the most up-to-date forecasts.

Where will the northern lights be visible?

The northern lights are predicted to be visible in parts of North America, with Northern Canada and Alaska expected to have the best chances at spotting them this weekend.

Northern Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Minnesota and upper Michigan are less likely to spot them, but there’s still potential. They may radiate over Northern South Dakota, Michigan and Maine, too, but the chances are weaker.

How to watch the northern lights?

The Northern Lights.Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty

Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty

What makes viewing the northern lights so great (aside from the breathtaking display of colors that dance across the night sky) is that they can be spotted with the naked eye, so no advanced technology is needed when watching.

However, visibility is heavily dependent upon weather conditions since clear skies are always preferred for the best sight. That means, hope for no rain, fog or clouds in the forecast that will hinder viewing.

Also, avoid light pollution when peaking a spot to view the auroras from Earth. Watch from a dark location, away from city lights that will drown out the spectacular display of colors.

How to take photos of the northern lights?

Smartphones have anawesome technological capabilityto capture the northern lights on camera so you can remember the phenomenon forever! All you have to do is put your phone in “Night Mode.”

source: people.com