Aurora Borealis Forecast: These 15 States May See Northern Lights Tonight Amid Geomagnetic Storm

Forbes - Feb 13th, 2025

High-speed winds from the sun's surface are expected to affect Earth's magnetic field on Thursday, potentially extending the visibility of the northern lights to more U.S. states. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) suggests that while Alaska will have the highest chance of witnessing the aurora borealis, regions in northern Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin might also catch a glimpse. For optimal viewing, NOAA recommends positioning oneself between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, away from light pollution. If conditions are favorable, the northern lights could be visible up to 620 miles away.

This celestial event is part of heightened solar activity, as the sun reached a 'solar maximum' in October, which is expected to persist until early 2026. This phase of increased solar weather includes solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which create the northern lights by interacting with Earth's atmosphere. Earlier this year, one of the most intense geomagnetic storms in two decades resulted in northern lights visible as far south as northern Florida and Texas. Such events highlight the dynamic nature of solar phenomena and their potential to impact Earth, offering both stunning visual displays and insights into solar-terrestrial interactions.

Geomagnetic Storm Aurora Borealis Noaa Northern Lights Solar Winds

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RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively informs readers about the potential visibility of the northern lights due to solar activity, using reputable sources like NOAA and NASA to support its claims. It provides practical advice for viewing and photographing the aurora borealis, making it engaging for enthusiasts. However, the article could benefit from greater transparency by providing direct links to sources and a broader discussion of the potential impacts of solar activity on technology. While it is timely and relevant, its impact on public opinion is limited by its narrow focus. Overall, the article is well-written and informative but could enhance its depth and engagement by addressing broader implications and including more interactive elements.

Accuracy

The article provides factual information about solar activity and its potential impact on Earth's magnetic field, such as the visibility of the northern lights. The claim that high-speed solar winds may affect the Earth's magnetic field is generally accurate, supported by NOAA's data. However, specific claims about the likelihood of viewing the northern lights in various states and the optimal viewing distances require more precise verification. Additionally, the article mentions past geomagnetic storms, which aligns with historical records, but the claim about the strongest northern lights display in 500 years needs confirmation.

Balance

The story predominantly focuses on the scientific aspects of solar activity and its effects on the northern lights, offering a limited perspective primarily from scientific sources like NOAA and NASA. While it provides useful information for enthusiasts and photographers, it lacks a broader context, such as potential impacts on technology or navigation systems. The article does not present differing viewpoints or address potential concerns related to increased solar activity, which could offer a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, providing information in a logical sequence. It uses straightforward language, making it accessible to a broad audience. The sections on how to view and photograph the northern lights are particularly well-explained, offering practical advice. However, some technical terms related to solar activity, like 'coronal mass ejections,' could benefit from brief explanations to enhance understanding for readers unfamiliar with the subject.

Source quality

The article references reputable sources such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA, which are authoritative bodies in space and atmospheric sciences. These sources lend credibility to the claims made about solar activity and its effects. However, the article could improve by directly quoting experts or providing links to original data or reports, which would enhance transparency and reliability.

Transparency

The article lacks detailed explanation regarding the methodology used to predict the visibility of the northern lights and the potential impact of solar winds. While it mentions NOAA and NASA as sources, it does not provide direct citations or links to their reports or forecasts. This omission makes it difficult for readers to verify the claims independently. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases in its reporting.