Observe the Northern Lights in 18 States of the USA

• The Northern Lights may be visible in 18 states of the USA.
• The highest likelihood of sightings is in the northern states.
• It is recommended to look for the lights between 10 PM and 2 AM.

Main Information

According to the forecasts of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), on the night of Friday, August 8, 2025, the Northern Lights may be visible in many states of the USA. This is linked to a recent coronal ejection that disrupted the Earth's magnetic field.

Where can you see the Northern Lights?

The highest likelihood of observing the Northern Lights is in states located in the north, such as Alaska, Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. In some parts of Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming, Michigan, and Maine there are also chances to see this natural phenomenon. The least likelihood of sightings will be in states such as Iowa, southern Nebraska, Illinois, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

When is the best time to observe?

NOAA recommends looking for the Northern Lights between 10 PM and 2 AM local time, when the activity of the lights reaches its peak. For the best view, try to find locations with high vantage points and away from light pollution.

Photographing the Northern Lights

Tips for photographing the Northern Lights include using a wide-angle lens, setting the aperture to f/4 or lower, and focusing on the brightest object. For smartphones, it is recommended to activate night mode and use a tripod.

Background Information

This year, more people in the USA have been witnessing the Northern Lights due to increased solar activity, which reaches its peak in the 11-year cycle. This phenomenon occurs when electrons from coronal ejections collide with molecules of gas and nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere, causing light emissions.

Tags: USA/Weather