Northern lights may appear across 14 U.S. states tonight

In the United States on July 22, 2025, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that a minor geomagnetic storm is expected, which could enhance the visibility of the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. This storm is anticipated to produce a Kp index reaching 5, thereby indicating a strong potential for aurora sightings across certain states. The states mentioned by NOAA that could witness these displays include Alaska, the northern regions of Montana, Wyoming, and parts of the Midwestern states. In light of this phenomenon, sky-watchers are advised to be observant after nightfall to catch this rare celestial event. The window of opportunity for optimal viewing is suggested to be between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., which are considered the best hours to observe the aurora. It is essential, however, to seek out areas with minimal light pollution for the best experience. The recent solar activity contributing to this event stems from a high-speed solar wind, which is the result of a coronal hole in the sun's atmosphere. This increase in solar activity coincides with the peak of the solar cycle previously reached last year, suggesting that active auroral displays may persist for several more years, as the effects of solar maximum can lead to prolonged occurrences of such phenomena.