Northern Lights Forecast: These 10 States May See Aurora Borealis Tonight After Solar Flare

Forbes - Mar 29th, 2025

Nearly a dozen northern U.S. states might witness the northern lights on Saturday night, following a recent intense solar flare that briefly disrupted radio communications. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the aurora borealis is expected to move further from the poles with a Kp index of four, making it visible to stargazers in certain areas. The flare, classified as an X1.1—the most intense type—erupted from the sun on Thursday, causing radio blackouts on Friday. NOAA forecasts calmer auroral activity through Monday, with a lower Kp index over the next two days.

The recent solar activity is part of a peak in northern lights displays, which NASA identifies as a 500-year high in 2024 due to the solar cycle's maximum phase. This increase in solar events like solar flares and mass ejections interacts with Earth's atmosphere to produce stunning auroras. The current peak is expected to continue into early 2026. For optimal viewing, the lights are best seen between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. from a high vantage point away from light pollution. Photography tips suggest using a wide-angle lens and disabling flash for capturing this celestial phenomenon.

Nasa Aurora Borealis Solar Maximum Noaa Northern Lights Solar Flare Radio Communications

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RATING

7.4

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and informative overview of the aurora borealis, focusing on recent solar activity that may enhance visibility in parts of North America. It is well-structured and accessible, with clear explanations of technical terms and practical tips for viewing and photographing the northern lights. The reliance on NOAA as a primary source lends credibility, though the inclusion of additional authoritative sources could strengthen the article's reliability.

While the article excels in clarity and timeliness, it could benefit from greater transparency in sourcing and methodology, as well as a more balanced representation of perspectives. The potential impact on public interest is notable, though the article's influence is largely confined to raising awareness and encouraging engagement with the natural world.

Overall, the article effectively informs readers about a captivating natural phenomenon, though it could expand its scope to explore broader implications of solar activity and engage a wider audience through interactive elements and diverse perspectives.

Accuracy

The article largely aligns with factual information regarding the aurora borealis visibility and the solar flare's impact. The claim about the solar flare briefly disrupting radio communications is supported by NOAA's classification of the flare as X1.1, which is indeed intense. The forecast of a Kp index of four is accurate and aligns with NOAA's predictions, suggesting a potential for aurora visibility further from the poles.

However, the claim about a 500-year peak in aurora activity attributed to NASA requires further verification. While the article mentions this peak will persist into early 2026, specific confirmation from NASA or other authoritative sources is necessary to substantiate this claim fully. The article accurately describes the process by which solar events lead to auroral displays, aligning with established scientific understanding.

Overall, the article presents factual information but relies heavily on forecasts and predictions that, while plausible, require ongoing monitoring and verification to ensure continued accuracy.

Balance

The article maintains a neutral tone and does not exhibit overt bias or favoritism towards any particular viewpoint. It focuses on delivering factual content related to the aurora borealis and solar activity without delving into speculative or controversial interpretations.

However, the article could enhance balance by including expert opinions or perspectives from multiple sources, such as scientists or meteorologists, to provide a more rounded view of the implications of solar flares and auroral activity. This would help contextualize the information and provide readers with a broader understanding of the topic.

Clarity

The article is generally well-written, with clear language and a logical structure that guides the reader through the key points. The use of headings and subheadings helps organize the information, making it easy for readers to follow.

The explanations of technical terms, such as the Kp index and the process of aurora formation, are concise and accessible to a general audience. However, some sections could benefit from further elaboration, particularly those related to the scientific processes behind solar flares and auroral displays, to enhance reader comprehension.

Source quality

The primary source cited in the article is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a reputable and authoritative organization in meteorological and atmospheric sciences. The reliance on NOAA for forecasts and scientific explanations lends credibility to the article.

However, the article could benefit from citing additional sources, such as NASA or other scientific bodies, to corroborate claims about the solar maximum and historical aurora activity peaks. Including a variety of authoritative sources would strengthen the article's overall reliability and depth.

Transparency

The article provides some context for the claims made, particularly regarding the solar flare and its effects. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the methodologies used by NOAA to forecast auroral activity or how the Kp index is determined.

Additionally, while the article references NASA's assertion of a 500-year peak, it does not provide direct citations or links to the original sources or studies that support this claim. Greater transparency in sourcing and methodology would enhance the article's credibility and allow readers to verify information independently.