Northern Lights Forecast: Aurora Borealis May Appear In These 15 States Tonight

Forbes - Mar 14th, 2025

A geomagnetic storm caused by high-speed winds from a coronal hole on the sun's surface may allow residents in several northern U.S. states to witness the aurora borealis on Friday night. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecast a Kp index of five, suggesting that the northern lights will be notably active and visible in areas like Alaska, northern Canada, and parts of the northern U.S. states, including northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, and Upper Michigan, among others. The activity is expected to remain through Saturday evening, with a calming forecast by Sunday night.

This phenomenon is part of a broader peak in solar activity, expected to continue into early 2026, which has resulted in increased auroral displays worldwide. The colorful northern lights are created when solar events, such as solar flares, interact with nitrogen and oxygen molecules in Earth's atmosphere. This period of heightened solar activity follows a 500-year peak for aurora borealis displays recorded in October 2024. Enthusiasts are advised to seek dark, elevated locations away from city lights to maximize their viewing experience, and use specific photography techniques to capture the event.

Geomagnetic Storm Aurora Borealis Noaa Northern Lights Solar Activity Coronal Hole

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RATING

7.4

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and accurate forecast of the aurora borealis, supported by credible sources like NOAA. It effectively communicates the scientific basis for the event, offering practical advice for viewers and photographers. However, it could benefit from broader perspective inclusion, such as cultural insights, and enhanced transparency regarding the methodologies behind the forecasts. While the article is clear and engaging, additional interactive elements and explanations of technical terms could improve reader comprehension and engagement. Overall, it serves as a reliable and informative piece on a natural phenomenon, appealing to both general audiences and enthusiasts.

Accuracy

The article accurately reports on the potential visibility of the aurora borealis in certain northern U.S. states, citing NOAA forecasts. The mention of a Kp index of five, indicating more active northern lights, aligns with standard space weather forecasting practices. However, the claim about a solar maximum peak in October 2024 requires verification from NASA or similar authoritative sources, as it is a future event prediction. The article is generally precise in its descriptions, but the forecasted geomagnetic conditions and specific visibility areas should be cross-referenced with current NOAA data to ensure accuracy.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the scientific aspects of the aurora borealis and its visibility, providing a clear perspective on the event's occurrence. However, it lacks alternative viewpoints or additional context, such as cultural or historical significance of the northern lights. While the scientific focus is appropriate, including diverse perspectives could enhance the balance by providing a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon's impact.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow from the forecast to practical advice on viewing and photographing the aurora borealis. The language is straightforward, making it accessible to a general audience. However, some technical terms, such as 'Kp index' and 'coronal hole high-speed stream,' could benefit from brief explanations to aid comprehension for readers unfamiliar with space weather terminology.

Source quality

The article relies on NOAA as its primary source, which is a credible and authoritative organization in the field of meteorology and space weather. This enhances the reliability of the information presented. However, additional sources such as NASA or independent space weather experts could further strengthen the article's credibility by corroborating the forecasts and scientific explanations provided.

Transparency

The article provides some transparency by citing NOAA as the source of its forecasts. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the methodologies used to derive the Kp index and other predictions. Additionally, there is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest or the basis for certain claims, such as the solar maximum prediction. Improved transparency would involve more explicit explanations of how forecasts are made and the scientific basis for the claims.