Northern Lights Visible This Week in New York, Illinois, and More

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a moderate G2 geomagnetic storm watch, predicting heightened Northern Lights activity on Thursday night. This increase is attributed to a coronal mass ejection that occurred earlier in the week, which has led to elevated geomagnetic activity across various northern and Midwestern states in the U.S. The Kp index for the aurora is expected to reach six, indicating that the lights will be visible further from the poles than usual. The states where the Northern Lights may be visible include New York, Illinois, Michigan, Washington, and Oregon, among others. The best viewing times are typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., and the NOAA advises seeking locations away from city lights to enhance visibility. Travelers are encouraged to monitor weather conditions to find optimal viewing spots, ideally on elevated terrain. As the sun approaches the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, solar activity has been unusually high, leading to more frequent geomagnetic storms. NASA predicts that this trend will continue into the next year, with an increase in sunspots expected. The current solar cycle, known as Solar Cycle 25, has already shown more activity than scientists anticipated, suggesting that the potential for Northern Lights sightings will remain elevated leading up to 2026. In summary, the combination of recent solar events and the ongoing solar cycle indicates a promising period for aurora enthusiasts, particularly in northern and Midwestern states. As geomagnetic storms become more common, the chances of witnessing the Northern Lights are likely to increase, making this an exciting time for skywatchers.