Skywatchers across parts of the northern United States could get a chance to see the northern lights Friday night into early Saturday as heightened solar activity reaches Earth. Space weather forecasters expect conditions that could push the aurora farther south than usual, although cloud cover, moonlight and the strength of the geomagnetic disturbance will ultimately determine visibility.
Northern Lights Forecast for Friday Night
The aurora borealis could become visible overnight from Friday, August 28, into Saturday, August 29, as a strong stream of solar wind and a coronal mass ejection, or CME, interact with Earth’s magnetic field.
Forecasters expect the incoming solar activity to produce a G2-class geomagnetic storm. G2 is considered a moderate storm on the five-level geomagnetic storm scale, which ranges from G1, or minor, to G5, or extreme.
During stronger periods of geomagnetic activity, auroras can spread well beyond their usual locations near the Arctic Circle and become visible from northern portions of the contiguous United States.
Aurora Could Reach Northern U.S. States
The best chances of seeing the northern lights are expected across northern-tier states near the Canadian border.
As many as 22 states could potentially have some opportunity to see auroral activity, depending on how the solar wind and CME interact with Earth’s magnetosphere.
If geomagnetic conditions become stronger than currently forecast, the aurora could extend farther south, potentially becoming visible from areas including Oregon or New York.
However, an aurora forecast does not guarantee that the lights will be visible from every location within the projected viewing area. Geomagnetic activity can change rapidly, and local weather conditions remain a major factor.
Bright Moon Could Affect Aurora Visibility
Skywatchers will also have to contend with natural moonlight. The waning full Sturgeon Moon could brighten the night sky enough to make weaker auroral displays more difficult to detect.
A particularly strong display could still be visible despite the moon, but faint green glows or subtle auroral structures may be washed out.
People hoping to see the northern lights should travel away from city lights and other sources of light pollution when possible. A location with a broad, unobstructed view toward the northern horizon will offer the best opportunity.
How to Improve Your Chances of Seeing the Aurora
Clear skies will be essential. Even strong geomagnetic activity cannot be seen through thick cloud cover, making local weather forecasts just as important as space weather predictions.
Aurora activity can also intensify or fade within a relatively short period. Checking real-time aurora forecasts throughout Friday evening and early Saturday morning can help observers determine when conditions are most favorable.
The human eye may initially struggle to distinguish a faint aurora from ordinary clouds or haze. Smartphone and digital cameras using longer exposures can sometimes capture colors and structures that appear much weaker to the naked eye.
Solar Activity Could Produce a Wider Display
The combination of an incoming coronal mass ejection and a potent solar wind stream creates the possibility of an unusually widespread aurora over the northern United States.
Exactly how far south the northern lights will reach will depend on the timing, orientation and strength of the solar material when it encounters Earth’s magnetic field.
For viewers in northern states, Friday night could offer a notable late-summer opportunity to watch the aurora. The best strategy will be to find a dark location with a clear northern horizon, monitor changing weather and space weather conditions, and be prepared for visibility to change quickly throughout the night.
Ernest Hemingway is a contributor at Thecherawchronicle.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and issues that matter to their communities. His work emphasizes accuracy, relevance, and accessibility, bringing readers timely stories and practical insights in a straightforward and engaging way.
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