Northern Lights Forecast: These 10 States Could See Aurora Borealis Wednesday

Northern Lights Forecast: These 10 States Could See Aurora Borealis WednesdayByAntonio Pequeño IV, Forbes Staff

Pequeño is a news reporter who covers and more

AuthorJul 02, 2025, 03:51pm EDTToplineThe northern lights might make an appearance in 10 states Wednesday night, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which has forecast similar auroral conditions for Thursday

A northern lights showing in the Netherlands. (Photo by Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images)Getty ImagesKey FactsNOAA forecasts a Kp index of four on Wednesday night, meaning there should be an increase in auroral activity that “can be quite pleasing to look at” for people in the right areas with good viewing conditions

Much of the northern parts of the Midwest are above the forecasted view line, with chances of seeing the northern lights increasing the further north people are from the line

Northern lights viewers who don’t catch the natural phenomenon Wednesday night will have another chance Thursday night, as the Kp index is expected to reach four once again

Get Forbes News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines

Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible

States and areas within or north of the viewing line include Alaska, northern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, northern South Dakota, Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, northern Michigan and northern Maine

Wednesday's viewing line

NOAAWhat’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights

Try and catch a look at the northern lights between the hours of 10 p. , which usually vide the best light conditions for viewing

If possible, try to observe from vantage points and areas with skies and little to no light pollution

What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights

Wide-angle lenses, low apertures and tripods for those with traditional cameras

Smartphone users looking to snap photos on their mobile devices should use night mode and not use flash

Tripods can also help smartphones capture photos

Key BackgroundThe northern lights have been particularly active in the last year or so thanks to a solar maximum—a term that describes the peak of the sun’s 11-year cycle characterized by increased solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which contribute to increased auroral activity

Fair to strong northern lights showings will ly continue into next year, according to NASA and NOAA scientists

Confidential information with Forbes

Editorial StandardsRes & PermissionsLOADING PLAYER.