See Northern Lights Tonight: Oregon and 15 Other States Poised for Aurora Viewing on Monday Night

Northern U.S. Set for Potential Aurora Viewing This Week

A spectacular celestial display is on the horizon for much of the northern United States. Residents along the Oregon and Washington border could witness the aurora borealis – commonly known as the Northern Lights – as early as Monday night. This event is driven by heightened solar activity, marking a notable phase within our sun’s 11-year cycle of magnetic fluctuations.

Solar Maximum Driving Southern Aurora

scientists are currently observing “solar maximum,” the peak of solar cycle 25. This roughly 11-year period of increased solar activity is characterized by more frequent and powerful solar flares and coronal mass ejections. The current maximum is projected to continue through 2026,resulting in auroral displays appearing at lower latitudes then typical,perhaps offering a viewing possibility for states further south than usual. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is closely monitoring these developments.

Aurora forecast for Monday, August 18, 2025. (Image courtesy of NOAA)

Viewing Locations

If conditions align, the aurora could be visible across a wide swath of the country, including Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Alaska. For optimal viewing, observers are advised to seek locations away from urban light pollution and to face northward.

Aurora Forecast Updates

To stay informed about the aurora’s potential location and intensity, the space Weather Prediction Centre (SWPC) provides a 30-minute forecast. This resource offers up-to-the-minute predictions, essential for planning a successful viewing experience. You can access the forecast at https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-30-minute-forecast.

About the Reporter

Lizzy Acker, a weather reporter for Oregonian, covers meteorological events and provides insights on regional weather patterns. She can be reached at [email protected].

Note: Viewing the aurora depends on several factors,including solar activity and atmospheric conditions.while the forecast suggests a possibility,visibility is not guaranteed.

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The aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, is a natural light display in the sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions. It’s caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with Earth’s atmosphere. Solar maximum periods, like the one currently underway, intensify these interactions and lead to more frequent and brighter aurora displays. Understanding solar cycles allows scientists to anticipate these events and provides a reason for potential viewing opportunities across a wider range of latitudes.

Frequently Asked questions About Aurora Viewing

• What causes the Northern Lights? The aurora is caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with atoms and molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere.
• When is the best time to see the aurora? The best time is during periods of high solar activity – typically during and after a solar maximum.
• Where is the best place to see the aurora? Locations away from city lights,towards the northern horizon,are ideal.
• How can I find out when the aurora is likely to be visible? The Space Weather Prediction Center provides a 30-minute aurora forecast.
• What is solar maximum? Solar maximum is the point in the 11-year solar cycle when the sun’s activity is at its peak, leading to more frequent and intense auroral displays.
• Will I be able to see the aurora from my location? The potential visibility depends on the strength of the solar activity and atmospheric conditions.

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Tonight, August 19th, 2025, presents a rare opportunity for aurora borealis viewing across a surprisingly large swath of the United States. A powerful geomagnetic storm is predicted to bring the Northern Lights – typically reserved for high-latitude destinations – to states as far south as California and Florida. this is a significant aurora forecast and one you won’t want to miss.

States with the Best Aurora Viewing prospects

While visibility is never guaranteed, these 16 states are currently predicted to have the highest chances of witnessing the aurora borealis tonight:

1. Alaska
2. Washington
3. Oregon
4. Montana
5. Idaho
6. Wyoming
7. North Dakota
8. South Dakota
9. Minnesota
10. Wisconsin
11. Michigan
12. New York
13. Maine
14. Vermont
15. New Hampshire
16. California (Northern regions)

The strength of the geomagnetic storm dictates how far south the aurora will be visible. Current predictions suggest a G4 (moderate) to G5 (Strong) storm, increasing the likelihood of sightings in these regions.

Understanding the Geomagnetic Storm & Aurora Activity

The aurora borealis (and its southern counterpart, the aurora australis) is caused by disturbances in the magnetosphere caused by solar wind. This solar wind originates from the sun and interacts with Earth’s magnetic field.

Coronal Mass Ejections (cmes): Recent activity on the sun, specifically a series of CMEs, are responsible for the current geomagnetic storm.

Geomagnetic Storm Scale: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Governance (NOAA) uses a G-scale (G1-G5) to categorize geomagnetic storms. Higher numbers indicate more intense storms and wider aurora visibility.

Kp Index: The Kp index measures geomagnetic activity. A Kp index of 5 or higher generally indicates aurora visibility in the mid-latitudes. Tonight’s predicted Kp index is expected to reach 7,a strong indicator for widespread viewing.

Prime viewing Times & Locations

to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, consider these factors:

Time: The best viewing time will be between 10 PM and 2 AM local time.

Dark Skies: Escape light pollution! Head to rural areas, away from city lights. State parks,national forests,and open fields are ideal.

Northern Horizon: Look towards the northern horizon. The aurora may appear as a faint glow, a shimmering curtain, or vibrant bands of light.

Clear Skies: Cloud cover is your biggest enemy. Check the weather forecast for clear skies in your area.

Specific Location Recommendations:

Oregon: Crater Lake National Park, Alvord Desert, and areas east of the Cascade Mountains.

Washington: north Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park, and the san Juan Islands.

Michigan: Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Lake michigan shoreline.

Maine: Acadia National Park, Baxter State park.

Equipment for Aurora Photography & Viewing

While the aurora can be seen with the naked eye,certain equipment can enhance your experience:

Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings is ideal for aurora photography.

Wide-Angle Lens: A wide-angle lens (14-24mm) will capture more of the sky.

Tripod: Essential for long-exposure photography.

Warm Clothing: Even in August, temperatures can drop considerably at night.

Red Flashlight: Red light preserves your night vision.

Binoculars: Can help enhance the visibility of faint auroral displays.

Real-World Example: The October 2023 Aurora Event

In October 2023,a similar geomagnetic storm brought the Northern lights to unprecedented latitudes,with reports of sightings as far south as Florida and Southern California. This event demonstrated the potential for strong storms to create impressive displays even in areas rarely experiencing auroral activity. Social media was flooded with stunning images,highlighting the widespread impact of the event. This serves as a strong precedent for tonight’s potential viewing opportunities.

Resources for Aurora Tracking & Alerts

Stay updated on the aurora forecast with these resources:

NOAA Space weather Prediction Center: https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/

Aurora Forecast: https://www.auroraforecast.com/

SpaceWeatherLive: https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/

Social media: Follow space weather experts and aurora chasers on platforms like Twitter (X) and Facebook for real-time updates.

Benefits of experiencing the Aurora Borealis

Witnessing the Northern Lights* is more than just a visual spectacle; it offers several benefits: