The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecasted that parts of the northern United States, including North Dakota, Minnesota, and Michigan, may have the opportunity to witness the spectacular natural phenomenon of the northern lights on Friday night. This forecast comes in light of an expected solar radiation activity that could potentially lead to radio blackouts in the region.
According to NOAA, a Kp index of three out of nine has been predicted for Friday night, indicating that the northern lights may be visible further south from the North Pole and will be a delightful sight for those in the right areas. The weekend is expected to bring weaker auroral activity, with a maximum Kp index of three and two forecasted for Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
Minor solar radiation storms are anticipated on Friday, potentially causing disruptions in radio frequencies after instances of radio blackouts were observed earlier in the week. Moreover, regions like northern Canada and Alaska may also have a slight chance of witnessing the aurora borealis, with areas such as northern Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota having a lower probability of viewing the northern lights.
To catch the northern lights at their best, it is recommended to view them between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time in areas away from light pollution and as far north as possible. As for capturing these stunning light displays through photography, a regular camera with specific settings or a smartphone with night mode turned on can be utilized.
Experts have noted that solar activity has reached its peak in recent weeks, with the sun producing significant geomagnetic and solar storms. This peak, which is expected to continue into early 2026, has surpassed initial predictions for the sun’s 11-year cycle that began in 2019. The level of auroral activity reached its strongest point earlier this year, potentially leading to the most powerful auroras seen in 500 years in May.
As the weekend approaches, individuals in the designated regions are encouraged to keep an eye out for potential sightings of the northern lights and to take advantage of this unique natural spectacle that may grace the night skies.