A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast predicts that another solar flare will likely bring auroral activity further south during the weekend and that a few states around the Canadian border may have an opportunity to witness the northern lights on Friday night.

Important facts

On a scale of nine, Friday night’s Kp index for auroral activity is three, which indicates that the northern lights will be brighter and more visually appealing for those who are in the appropriate locations.

The sun released an X2.3 solar flare earlier this week, which NASA says is the most intense, which could disrupt the Earth’s atmosphere and interfere with GPS and communications signals. As a result, NOAA predicts a maximum Kp index of four for both Saturday and Sunday.

NOAA warned that there is a “slight chance” of modest solar radiation during the weekend, which could lead to some radio blackouts.

WHERE CAN I SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?

Although there is little chance of witnessing auroral activity in most of northern Canada and Alaska, a view line—indicating a small opportunity to see the phenomenon—sweeps just below the Canadian border. Areas in northern Washington, Idaho, South Dakota, and Wisconsin will have an increasingly reduced risk, as will parts of northern Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota. (See the line for viewing below.)

According to NOAA, the northern lights are best viewed from a high vantage point free from light pollution and peak between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.

HOW CAN I GET THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHY OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?

According to Adobe, the northern lights might be captured by a standard camera with the focus set to the furthest setting, a wide aperture, a low shutter speed, and a high ISO value. Iceland’s travel website advises using a smartphone and switching to night mode with a slower shutter speed.

ESSENTIAL HISTORY

As the sun approaches its “solar maximum,” NASA reports an increase in sunspots and coronal mass ejections. These occurrences alter the space weather and frequently increase the number of people who can see the aurora borealis. As more celestial occurrences take place in the night sky, this peak is probably going to last until 2025 and the beginning of 2026. Next week, the Northern Taurids, a meteor shower that has been active since October 13, will reach its zenith and continue until December 2. Additional meteor showers that