A strong geomagnetic storm from the Sun is set to light up the night sky this weekend, with the aurora borealis forecast looking promising for Saturday, Sept. 6, and Sunday, Sept. 7. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that recent solar activity – a fast-moving coronal mass ejection – will send charged particles into Earth’s magnetic field. When those particles collide with the atmosphere, they create brilliant displays of green, purple, and pink light known as the northern lights. NOAA forecasters say that while conditions today are mostly quiet, we should expect minor geomagnetic storms (G1 level) tonight and Saturday night, with a chance of moderate storming (G2) by Sunday if the CME impact peaks as predicted. In practical terms, NOAA’s aurora borealis forecast calls for a Kp index around 4–5 on Saturday night, similar to Friday’s level, and a possible bump to around 5 on Sunday night.
Because the Earth’s aurora borealis forecast is driven by solar wind conditions, skywatchers in high latitudes will have the best chance of seeing the lights. According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, the “best viewing [will be] tonight in Alaska and northern Canada,” with “some visibility in northern and midwestern parts of the U.S. A recent forecast map highlights ten U.S. states – from Alaska down through Washington, Idaho, Montana and the Dakotas to Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Maine – as being in the aurora zone this weekend. In short, residents of Alaska and other northern-tier states should prepare for a show if skies clear. This storm is not expected to reach as far south as central or southern states, but parts of the Upper Midwest and New England may see a faint glow on the northern horizon under dark conditions.
Solar Storm Powers Northern Lights
The northern lights appear when the Sun emits a burst of energetic plasma. In this case, a “cannibal” solar storm (one CME overtaking another) erupted in late August and slammed into Earth on Sept. 1, triggering geomagnetic turbulence. Even though that first shock has passed, solar activity remains elevated. NOAA scientists explain that solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) eject charged particles toward Earth, and when these particles strike the upper atmosphere, they excite oxygen and nitrogen atoms. The result is the colorful glow of the aurora borealis. This solar cycle is near its peak intensity (sunspot maximum in 2025), so auroras are more frequent and vivid than in recent years.
NOAA’s current forecasts reflect this high solar activity. The Space Weather Prediction Center issues updates indicating when geomagnetic storms will occur. For this weekend, NOAA’s aurora borealis forecast outlook suggests the night of Sept. 6 will see continuing minor storm conditions. A minor (G1) storm was expected Friday night, and forecasters say a similar level is likely for Saturday. By Sunday night (Sept. 7), there is even a chance of a moderate (G2) storm if the next CME impact is strong enough, according to the UK Met Office and NOAA. In NOAA’s terms, a G1 storm can push the aurora down to mid-latitudes on very clear nights, while a G2 storm makes the lights stronger and more widespread.
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Aurora Borealis Forecast for Tonight (Sept. 6)
On Saturday evening (Sept. 6), skywatchers from Alaska through much of the northern United States should keep an eye on the northern sky. NOAA predicts the geomagnetic storm to remain at about Kp = 4 tonight (G1 level). That level of storm is capable of producing visible auroras over high-latitude regions. In Alaska, where polar auroras are relatively common, tonight’s display could be quite vivid if the sky is clear. Even farther south, locations like northern Minnesota, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and northern New England are within reach. A news map of the previous storm (Sept 1–2) showed the aurora possibly visible in 18 states, including Montana, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Maine, and even Colorado, but for this weaker storm, the focus will be closer to the Arctic.
Northern Alaska (Barrow, Fairbanks, Denali area) will likely see the lights overhead. Viewers in the lower 48 should watch from northern-facing, dark places. For example, coastal spots or parks in states like Washington, Minnesota, Michigan or Maine might get a glimpse toward midnight local time. According to NOAA’s aurora forecast, states such as Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan are on the edge of the aurora zone. If you live in the northern U.S., it’s worth stepping outside between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time to scan the sky northward. Even if the aurora only appears as a faint glow or thin curtains of green, it could be visible to the naked eye or appear dramatically when photographed long exposure.
Aurora Borealis Forecast for Tomorrow (Sept. 7)
Sunday night (Sept. 7) could offer another chance at the lights, depending on a later CME impact. NOAA’s aurora borealis forecast indicates that geomagnetic activity will possibly intensify late that night. Forecasters have mentioned a potential G2 (moderate) storm on Sept. 7, which would be one of the stronger events of the season so far. The Kp index is expected to reach around 5 again, especially in the early morning hours UTC (around local midnight). If that happens, the aurora may glow more brightly and dip slightly farther south.
However, viewing conditions may be trickier. Sunday, Sept. 7, is a full moon, meaning the sky will be very bright after sunset. A full moon “can make the sky too bright to get a good glimpse” of the aurora. In other words, any faint colors could be washed out. On the positive side, clear skies are more likely this weekend compared to earlier storms. So for Sunday night, the best strategy is to get to an even darker spot (with as little light pollution and moonlight as possible) and watch late into the night. Since forecasts still call for only minor-to-moderate storms, the aurora may appear more slowly; patience is key.
Where to See the Aurora Borealis
Alaska. In the far north, the aurora borealis forecast is encouraging. Alaska’s clear, dark skies make it the nation’s northern lights capital. During any storm, northern Alaska (the Arctic slope near Utqiaġvik) often sees auroras overhead, and interior Alaska (Fairbanks area) frequently enjoys visible displays. NOAA explicitly says Alaska is a top viewing spot for tonight. Residents and visitors in Fairbanks, Anchorage, or the Aleutians should be especially alert. Even parts of Washington and Idaho may catch the lights on the far horizon, according to NOAA’s three-day outlook.
Northern States. In the contiguous U.S., the best chances are in the northernmost states. A range of ten states from the Pacific Northwest to New England is in the predicted aurora zone. These include Washington, Idaho, Montana, and the Dakotas in the West; Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan in the Midwest; and Maine in the Northeast. On Saturday night, especially if the Kp index is 4 or 5, people in northern Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Maine may see greenish streaks low in the sky. For example, photographers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula or Minnesota’s Boundary Waters have caught auroras during similar storms. Again, a dark northern horizon is key. Even cities in these states could glimpse some color above nearby mountains or treetops if the lights are bright enough, but rural areas will offer clearer views.
Where It Won’t Reach. Keep expectations realistic for more southern areas. The aurora borealis forecast suggests no significant activity down south. For instance, the Fast Company article notes auroras might dip only into the northern U.S. and Midwestern states. States far south like California, Texas or Florida will remain aurora-free. In fact, NOAA’s map for this storm shows the southern edge of visibility barely touching states like Nebraska or Illinois (north of those). So southern and central U.S. skywatchers can admire the news from the comfort of warm rooms – they won’t see the lights themselves this time.
How to Watch the Northern Lights
If you plan to watch the skies, here are some tips to maximize your chances:
- Head North, Away from Lights. Find a viewing spot with a clear view of the northern horizon and minimal light pollution. Facing north is critical, since the aurora will appear in that part of the sky. Rural areas, parks, and coastlines are ideal. In Michigan, for example, the Upper Peninsula’s dark, north-facing Lake Superior shoreline offers unobstructed sky.
- Time It Right (10 pm–2 am). The darkest part of the night is usually between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. That is when auroras typically appear strongest. Give yourself a window of hours — sometimes the lights come in short bursts. The Michigan travel guide advises patience: stay up late and keep watching, as the lights can flare up quickly and then fade.
- Check the Moon and Weather. A bright moon or clouds can ruin the show. As noted, Sunday’s full moon may reduce visibility. Ideally, watch for breaks in any clouds. Use local weather forecasts to pick the clearest night or location.
- Track the Forecast. Use real-time tools. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center provides 30-minute aurora forecasts and an interactive dashboard. Apps like My Aurora Forecast or SpaceWeatherLive can push alerts when a storm hits. These tools often use the same Kp index predictions. If you get an alert that the Kp index is rising, head outside within the next hour or two.
- Be Prepared. It gets cold at night. Bring warm clothes, blankets, a thermos of hot drink, and maybe red flashlights (which preserve night vision). Some experts suggest using a camera with long exposure to catch faint colors – the human eye can see bright greens, but pinks and purples often require a photo.
Science of the Lights
Understanding why the lights occur might deepen the experience. In simple terms, the aurora is Earth’s response to being bombarded by the Sun’s charged particles. Every 11 years, the solar cycle causes a maximum in sunspot activity (we’re at that peak now). Fast solar wind streams and CMEs create currents in Earth’s magnetosphere, and those currents cause molecules in the upper atmosphere to glow. Oxygen produces green and red light; nitrogen yields blue and purple. The aurora borealis forecast is essentially a prediction of how intense these currents will be. A higher Kp index means more energetic particles and brighter lights.
Historically, 2024 saw an intense geomagnetic storm that produced auroras all the way to mid-latitudes (Iowa, Illinois). The current storm is weaker, so the focus is back on the north. Still, it’s part of a year-long uptick in space weather. The upcoming weeks – around the September equinox – often bring extra chances because of how Earth’s tilt lines up with the solar wind. If this weekend’s activity is subdued, stay tuned. The Sun may have one more trick up its sleeve, and skywatchers will be watching the forecasts closely.
In summary, the aurora borealis forecast for tonight and tomorrow calls for minor to moderate geomagnetic storming. Alaska and northern-tier U.S. states can expect the best views. Skywatchers should prepare by finding dark viewing spots and staying up late – ideally between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. – with clear northern skies. Keep in mind the bright moon on Sunday and check NOAA’s updates. If all aligns, this weekend may offer another dazzling northern lights display across the United States.
X users posted
“Northern Lights Forecast: 15 states might see the aurora borealis tonight amid geomagnetic storms. NOAA predicts minor–moderate activity — look north between 10 PM–2 AM and head to a dark spot for the best chance. #AuroraBorealis #NorthernLights“
“The northern lights are forecast to be visible in Washington on Tuesday night. If you’re in northern Washington, find a dark, north-facing spot after 10 PM — you’ve got the best shot at seeing the aurora borealis. #Aurora #Washington“
“Northern lights forecast in 10 states tonight: a ‘cannibal’ geomagnetic storm could make the aurora borealis visible. Alaska and the northern-tier states are most likely — check NOAA and local skies for live updates. #AuroraAlert #SpaceWeather“
“NOAA forecasts a Kp index of 4 (scale 0–9) for Tuesday night, suggesting the northern lights may be visible as far south as southern Minnesota. If the skies are clear, step outside and face north between 10 PM–2 AM. #AuroraBorealis #KpIndex“
FAQs
- Do the moon and clouds affect an Aurora Borealis Forecast visibility?
A: The forecast covers geomagnetic chance; check local weather. - What is the Aurora Borealis Forecast?
A: The Aurora Borealis Forecast predicts auroras; check NOAA. - How often is the Aurora Borealis Forecast updated?
A: The Aurora Borealis Forecast updates often during active solar events. - Can the Aurora Borealis Forecast tell me if I’ll see lights tonight?
A: The Aurora Borealis Forecast shows Kp and probability; weather decides. - Where should I check the Aurora Borealis Forecast?
A: Check NOAA SWPC and trusted sites for the Aurora Borealis Forecast. - Does a high Kp mean a better Aurora Borealis Forecast?
A: Yes — higher Kp improves the Aurora Borealis Forecast. - Will the Aurora Borealis Forecast include exact timing?
A: It gives peak windows, not exact minutes. - Are apps reliable for the Aurora Borealis Forecast?
A: Many apps mirror official feeds; prefer NOAA-linked apps. - How far south can an Aurora Borealis Forecast reach?
A: Strong storms (Kp 5+) can push auroras into the northern U.S. - Any tips after reading the Aurora Borealis Forecast?
A: If favorable, go to dark north-facing spots, dress warmly, and try long-exposure photos.