The night sky is gearing up for a breathtaking display this weekend as a geomagnetic storm could make the Northern Lights visible much farther south than usual. According to a forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), a G1-class geomagnetic storm is expected to reach Earth on October 11–12, 2025, setting the stage for vibrant auroras across parts of the northern United States and Canada.
The aurora borealis, or “Northern Lights,” occurs when charged particles from the Sun interact with Earth’s magnetic field, causing glowing curtains of light that ripple across the sky. While typically limited to high-latitude regions such as Alaska and northern Canada, stronger geomagnetic storms can push these colorful lights much farther south — sometimes reaching states like Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and even as far as New York.
Where and When to Look
NOAA’s latest forecast suggests that skywatchers across up to 12 northern U.S. states may have a chance to catch the aurora on camera — and possibly even with the naked eye. The best viewing hours are expected to fall between late Saturday night and early Sunday morning, when darkness and clear skies will maximize visibility.
Areas with low light pollution and a clear northern horizon will offer the best chance of seeing the spectacle. If you live in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, or northern parts of Montana and New York, keep your camera ready and your eyes to the north.
Even if the aurora isn’t visible to the naked eye, modern smartphone cameras or DSLRs can often capture faint glows that human vision misses. Use a tripod, long exposure settings, and wide aperture for best results.
What’s Causing This Aurora Event
The upcoming display is linked to solar wind and a coronal mass ejection (CME) — a burst of charged particles released from the Sun’s surface earlier this week. When these solar particles reach Earth’s magnetic field, they create geomagnetic disturbances that trigger auroras.
A G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm is the lowest level on NOAA’s five-step space weather scale, but it’s strong enough to make auroras visible across much of the northern tier of the United States. Space weather forecasters will continue monitoring conditions over the weekend, as even small fluctuations in solar wind speed or magnetic direction can dramatically affect where the aurora becomes visible.
A Weekend of Celestial Highlights
This weekend’s skywatching opportunities go beyond just the aurora. The Double Comet Show — featuring two comets visible side-by-side — will also grace the sky between October 20–22, while the Delta Aurigid meteor shower reaches its peak in mid-October. Together, these celestial events mark one of the most exciting stretches of the fall night-sky season.
For those eager to experience nature’s light show, this weekend might deliver the perfect prelude.
Tips for the Best Aurora Viewing
If you’re hoping to catch the aurora this weekend, here are a few quick tips:
Head away from city lights. Rural areas and open fields provide the best visibility.
Face north. Most auroras will appear near the northern horizon.
Watch between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. These hours usually offer peak activity.
Check space weather updates. NOAA’s Aurora Dashboard and apps like My Aurora Forecast can help track real-time conditions.
Be patient. Auroras can appear suddenly — sometimes fading and reappearing within minutes.
Looking Ahead
As the Sun approaches the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, auroral activity is expected to increase. That means more frequent and more intense Northern Lights displays could be on the horizon through 2025 and 2026. For skywatchers, photographers, and space enthusiasts, it’s an exciting time to keep looking up.
Whether you’re in the northern plains, the Great Lakes region, or just beyond the auroral zone, October 11–12 may offer one of the most memorable light shows of the year. Charge your cameras, check your forecast, and prepare for a night when the heavens come alive in color.
Source: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) | NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory