Northern Lights Forecast to Reach U.S. Skies on July 22 and 23

A rare opportunity to view the northern lights may occur this week across several parts of the United States.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting strong geomagnetic activity that may make the aurora borealis visible during the late hours of Tuesday, July 22, and Wednesday, July 23.

Based on NOAA’s measurements, July 22 carries a Kp index of five, while July 23 is rated at four. The Kp index, which ranges from zero to nine, reflects the intensity of geomagnetic storms. Activity within the four to five range can be enough to produce visible auroras under favorable conditions. NOAA describes these projected displays as “quite pleasing to look at,” though successful viewing will depend heavily on clear skies and limited artificial light.

On Tuesday, visibility may reach well beyond the usual northernmost states. NOAA’s July 22 viewline includes Alaska, Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, northern Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, northern Iowa, Wisconsin, northern Michigan, northern New York, northern Vermont, northern New Hampshire, and northern Maine.

By Wednesday, the aurora’s reach is expected to narrow slightly. Areas still within the projected visibility range on July 23 include Alaska, northern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, northern South Dakota, Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, northern Michigan, and northern Maine.

The best viewing times fall between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. The northern lights are not visible during daylight hours, so the darkest parts of the night offer the clearest chances.

No specialized equipment is needed to see the aurora. “If skywatchers are in the right location, situated in dark locations far away from light pollution, all they have to do is point their eyes to the sky,” NOAA advises.

Those hoping to photograph the lights can use smartphone cameras. Devices with night mode features are typically capable of capturing the aurora with minimal adjustments.

To increase the chances of spotting the northern lights, experts recommend finding an open area away from urban lighting and watching the weather forecast for cloud coverage. Even with strong geomagnetic activity, overcast skies can prevent any sightings.

With conditions expected to reach moderate levels of activity across both nights, residents in northern states have a strong chance of witnessing one of nature’s most striking sky events.