Northern Lights May Be Visible Across 14 U.S. States on October 28-29

Residents across more than a dozen northern U.S. states may have the opportunity to witness the northern lights on October 28 and 29, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center. The aurora borealis is forecasted to be potentially visible from Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Wyoming, South Dakota, Iowa, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The "view line," indicating the southernmost point from which the aurora could be seen on the northern horizon, extends through these states. While the forecast for October 28 is relatively strong, the likelihood of observing the northern lights in the contiguous U.S. remains low, with chances decreasing further on October 29. In Alaska, there was an "above average" chance to see the aurora on Tuesday night, followed by an "average" chance on Wednesday and Thursday nights, according to Explore Fairbanks, which monitors aurora activity in the region. Optimal viewing times are typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, requiring clear, cloudless skies and minimal light pollution. The northern lights are active year-round but necessitate darkness and geomagnetic activity for visibility. NOAA notes that increased geomagnetic activity results in brighter auroras extending further from the poles, with active aurora hours expanding towards evening and morning as geomagnetic activity intensifies. Viewing from an aircraft or a cruise ship can enhance the experience by providing clear, unobstructed views above cloud cover and away from light pollution. For those outside the current forecasted range, future opportunities may arise, as solar storms have previously enabled aurora sightings as far south as the Texas panhandle. The world is currently experiencing the peak of the 11-year solar cycle, known as solar maximum, contributing to increased auroral activity.