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The aurora borealis will be more visible than usual Sunday night, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration projects, potentially giving Americans in 10 states a view of the northern lights.
Up to 10 states could see the northern lights on Sunday.
NurPhoto via Getty ImagesKey Facts
NOAA projected Sunday’s northern lights will have a Kp index of four—on a scale of nine—which means the aurora borealis could be “quite pleasing to look at,” as it moves further away from the poles and “become[s] brighter” with more activity.
The forecast predicts the view line for the aurora will extend slightly into the northern U.S., further down than it typically is.
The northern lights are also expected to be more favorable than usual Monday, as NOAA projects a Kp index of three, with the view line extending down into a few northern states.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?
The northern lights will be strongest in Alaska on Sunday, according to NOAA, though portions of Minnesota, Montana and North Dakota are within the area where the aurora could be more visible (see map below). Northern parts of Idaho, Maine, Michigan, South Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin are also above the view line for the northern lights, meaning it could be possible to see the lights under favorable conditions.
What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?
NOAA suggests trying to see the northern lights between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Heading somewhere that’s away from city light pollution and pointing north will be your best bet for seeing the lights, according to NOAA, which also suggests heading somewhere that’s at a higher altitude, like on top of a hill.
What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?
Photographing the northern lights will be easiest using a wide-angle lens and tripod to stabilize the camera, photography experts told National Geographic. Cameras should also be adjusted for lower light settings, using an aperture or F-stop of four or less. Getting good photos is also possible using an iPhone or other smartphone camera, though experts still recommend keeping the phone stable using a tripod. Phone photographers should also turn off flash and use night mode if they can.
Key Background
Aurora borealis activity is now at a 500-year peak, according to NASA in October, which is why the northern lights have often been more visible than usual over the past months—at times becoming visible throughout the U.S. Thanks to a “solar maximum” in the sun’s 11-year cycle, there have been more events that make the northern lights easier to see, such as solar flares. That activity is expected to continue throughout 2025 and into 2026, according to NASA.
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