Aurora Borealis Geomagnetic Storm: Which US States Could See the Northern Lights Tonight

Aurora borealis watchers in the United States could be in for a treat tonight. Federal forecasters have issued a geomagnetic storm watch as material from recent solar eruptions is expected to hit Earth’s atmosphere, potentially pushing the northern lights much farther south than usual. The peak viewing window is between 5 pm and 8 pm ET on Thursday, October 17, with the spectacle likely to continue into early Friday.

The forecast comes after multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) were launched from the sun over the past weekend. These massive bursts of solar plasma and magnetic fields, once they reach Earth, interact with the planet’s magnetic field and trigger geomagnetic storms — the very events that make the aurora borealis visible.

Geomagnetic Storm Forecast and Impact on Aurora Visibility

According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), conditions could escalate to a G1 (minor) or even G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm. The SWPC uses a five-level scale to measure storm strength, similar to hurricane categories, with G1 being the lowest and G5 the most severe. A G1 storm is strong enough to push auroral activity into northern parts of Michigan and Maine. A G2 storm, however, could extend the display as far south as New York and Idaho.

The storm’s most intense activity is expected from 2 pm ET Thursday through 2 am ET Friday, with the best viewing window in the early evening hours. However, visibility will depend heavily on cloud cover, light pollution, and the strength of the storm. Observers are encouraged to head away from city lights, look northward, and use smartphone cameras if the auroras are faint to the naked eye.

Alaska and much of Canada will have the highest chance of seeing bright auroras. Within the continental United States, residents in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are most likely to see the display. If geomagnetic activity intensifies, the lights could stretch into Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and even Massachusetts.

SWPC experts also noted that while geomagnetic storms can disrupt satellite operations, navigation systems, and power grids, the forecasted G1–G2 levels are unlikely to cause significant issues. Recent stronger storms have passed with minimal disruptions, so most people will not experience noticeable technological effects.

What This Means for Skywatchers and Scientists

This geomagnetic event is more than just a visual spectacle. It also offers scientists a valuable opportunity to study solar-terrestrial interactions and their effects on Earth’s magnetosphere. Increased auroral activity is a visible sign of how solar weather affects our planet, and each event helps refine space weather forecasting models.

For skywatchers, this storm could provide one of the farthest-reaching aurora displays of 2025. If conditions align, millions of Americans who typically live too far south to see the northern lights might catch a glimpse tonight. The event could also generate a wave of viral images and social media buzz, especially if auroras are visible from unexpected locations.

With peak viewing expected this evening and into early Friday, the aurora borealis geomagnetic storm could deliver a rare natural light show for much of the northern United States. Skywatchers should prepare now, find dark viewing spots, and keep their cameras ready.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When will the aurora borealis geomagnetic storm peak?

Peak activity is expected between 5 pm and 8 pm ET on Thursday, October 17, 2025. The storm could continue into early Friday morning.

Q2: Which US states have the best chance to see the northern lights?

Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are most likely. Visibility may extend farther south if the storm strengthens.

Q3: What causes an aurora borealis geomagnetic storm?

It’s triggered when coronal mass ejections from the sun collide with Earth’s magnetic field, causing charged particles to produce light displays in the sky.

Q4: Can the storm impact technology?

At G1–G2 levels, significant impacts are unlikely. There may be minor effects on satellites, navigation, or radio systems, but nothing major is expected.

Q5: How can I improve my chances of seeing the aurora?

Travel to areas with low light pollution, look northward, and use a smartphone camera if the aurora is faint. Clouds and city lights can reduce visibility.