The 15 US States Where The Northern Lights Will Be Most Visible During The 2025 Solar Maximum

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are set to deliver one of their most spectacular decades of displays, and the United States is poised for a celestial show unlike any other. As of December 2025, the Sun is rapidly approaching the peak of its 11-year cycle, known as the Solar Maximum, which is currently forecasted to peak around July 2025. This intense solar activity means Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) and solar flares are more frequent and powerful, drastically increasing the chances of the aurora being visible much further south than usual, potentially illuminating the skies over dozens of US states.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the states where your odds are highest, the critical geomagnetic storm conditions you need to watch for, and the essential tips for both spotting and capturing the elusive green, pink, and purple glow of the aurora in the coming months and throughout the 2025 peak.

The Ultimate Guide to Aurora Borealis Visibility in the US: 2025 Solar Maximum Forecast

The key to seeing the Northern Lights outside of the Arctic Circle is a strong geomagnetic storm, measured by the Kp-index. The higher the Kp-index, the further south the aurora can be seen. During the 2025 Solar Maximum, Kp levels of 7 (G3 storm) or higher will become much more common, pushing the aurora viewline deep into the continental United States.

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Tier 1: High-Probability States (Kp-Index 4–5 Required)

These states represent the "Aurora Zone" of the contiguous US. They offer the best odds on a regular basis, requiring only a moderate geomagnetic storm (Kp 4 or 5) for a visible display, especially when viewed from their northernmost regions or Dark Sky locations.

• Alaska: The undisputed champion. Fairbanks, Anchorage, and the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta offer near-daily visibility during peak season (August to April). A Kp of 0–2 is often enough.
• Maine: The northern edge of New England, especially areas like Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument, provides exceptionally dark skies and requires only a Kp 4 or 5.
• Minnesota: Home to Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which are prime viewing locations. A Kp 5 is the typical threshold for good visibility.
• Michigan: Specifically the Upper Peninsula (U.P.), with its remote shorelines along Lake Superior, offers excellent northern exposure.
• North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a popular viewing spot, requiring a moderate Kp 5.
• Washington: The northern counties, particularly those near the Canadian border and the Olympic Peninsula, are ideal viewing spots.

Tier 2: Medium-Probability States (Kp-Index 6–7 Required)

These states require a strong, but not extreme, geomagnetic storm (Kp 6 or 7, which is a G2 or G3 storm). During the 2025 Solar Maximum, these conditions will occur multiple times per year, making these states excellent targets for dedicated aurora chasers.

• Montana: Glacier National Park and the remote plains offer vast, dark skies.
• Idaho: The northern panhandle regions, far from the light pollution of Boise.
• Wisconsin: The northern counties and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore along Lake Superior.
• New York: The Adirondack Mountains and the northern border with Canada, requiring a Kp 6 or 7 to see the lights low on the horizon.
• Oregon: The northern half of the state, particularly the high-desert regions east of the Cascades.
• Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, whose dark skies are a major advantage during Kp 7 events.

Tier 3: Rare-Probability States (Kp-Index 8–9 Required)

Visibility in these states is rare and only occurs during severe (G4) or extreme (G5) geomagnetic storms, which are associated with a Kp-index of 8 or 9. While these events are uncommon, they are significantly more likely during the 2025 Solar Maximum. When a Kp 8 or 9 storm hits, the aurora can be seen from almost anywhere in the continental US, including states historically considered too far south.

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• Colorado: The high altitude and dark skies of the Rocky Mountains could offer a view.
• Iowa: During the most powerful storms, the aurora can be seen on the northern horizon.
• Illinois: Visibility is possible on the northern horizon in the Chicago area during Kp 8+ events.
• Pennsylvania: The northern counties and areas with low light pollution can catch a glimpse during a Kp 9 event.

Understanding the Kp-Index: Your Key to Seeing the Northern Lights

The Kp-index, or Planetary K-index, is the global measure of geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 (very quiet) to 9 (extreme geomagnetic storm). Monitoring the Kp-index forecast is the single most important step for any aurora chaser in the US.

The Kp-index directly correlates with the severity of a geomagnetic storm and, therefore, how far south the aurora oval expands. Here is a breakdown of what each level generally means for US visibility:

• Kp 0–3 (Quiet): Only visible in Alaska.
• Kp 4 (Unsettled): Visible in high-latitude US states like Maine and northern Michigan.
• Kp 5 (G1 Storm): Visible low on the northern horizon from the northern tier of US states (MN, ND, WA, MT).
• Kp 6 (G2 Storm): Expands visibility further south, potentially reaching states like New York, Wisconsin, and even northern Oregon.
• Kp 7 (G3 Storm): Visibility stretches to mid-latitudes, including states like Iowa, Massachusetts, and northern California. This is a prime viewing level for most of the US.
• Kp 8 (G4 Storm): The aurora is visible from nearly all US states, including those in the central and mid-Atlantic regions.
• Kp 9 (G5 Storm): Extreme visibility, potentially seen as far south as Florida and Texas, though this is exceedingly rare.

To track the Kp-index, you should rely on real-time data from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) and dedicated aurora forecast apps. The most critical information to look for is the forecast for the next 24–72 hours, particularly during the new moon phase when skies are darkest.

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Essential Tips for Spotting and Photographing the Aurora

Seeing the aurora is a combination of preparation and patience. Even during a strong geomagnetic storm, several factors can prevent a successful viewing.

Maximize Your Viewing Odds

The best time to see the aurora is typically between 10 PM and 3 AM local time. The most active period, known as the "auroral peak," often occurs around midnight. You need to be prepared to wait and check the forecast constantly.

• Get North: Always drive as far north as possible in your state to minimize the viewing distance.
• Escape Light Pollution: City lights overwhelm the aurora, making it appear faint or invisible. Travel to a designated Dark Sky Park or a remote rural area.
• Check the Weather: Clear, cloudless skies are essential. Even a strong Kp-index is useless if the sky is overcast.
• Use Your Phone Camera: Modern smartphone cameras (like the latest iPhone or Google Pixel) are surprisingly effective. Use "Night Mode" or a manual camera app with a long exposure (5–10 seconds) and place the phone on a stable surface. The camera often "sees" the color before your naked eye does.

Aurora Photography Gear and Settings

To capture the vibrant colors and detailed structures of the Northern Lights, you will need specific equipment and manual settings.

• Sturdy Tripod: Absolutely mandatory. Any movement during a long exposure will ruin the photo.
• Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls (M mode) is ideal.
• Lens: A fast, wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or wider) is best to capture the entire sky and maximize light collection.
• Settings Checklist:
  • Mode: Manual (M)
  • Focus: Manual, set to infinity.
  • ISO: Start at 1600 and adjust up to 6400 (higher ISO increases grain/noise).
  • Aperture (f/stop): Wide open (e.g., f/2.8 or the lowest number your lens allows).
  • Shutter Speed (Exposure): Start at 5–15 seconds. Use a shorter exposure (5–8 seconds) for fast-moving, active auroras and a longer one (10–15 seconds) for fainter, slower displays.
• Batteries: Cold weather drains batteries quickly. Keep spares in an inside pocket to keep them warm.

The 2025 Solar Maximum promises a golden age for aurora viewing in the US. By understanding the Kp-index, knowing which states offer the best visibility, and preparing your gear, you significantly increase your chances of witnessing this unforgettable natural phenomenon.