Northern lights could be seen in these states on Tuesday evening

Topline

The northern lights could be visible from several states Tuesday evening as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric continues to forecast mild to moderate geomagnetic storm conditions, days after the sun produced some of the most powerful solar flares in years.

Northern lights were observed in Alaska on October 7th. (Photo by Hasan Akbas /Anadolu via Getty Images)

Anadolu via Getty Images

Important facts

NOAA issued a geomagnetic storm warning on Tuesday, noting that G3 levels were observed, indicating a strong geomagnetic storm.

Levels G1 to G2, indicating mild to moderate geomagnetic storm strength, are expected to persist throughout Tuesday and decrease over the coming days.

Geomagnetic activity expected Tuesday evening has a predicted Kp index between 3 and 4, according to the NOAA forecast, meaning the lights can be “very pleasant to view” if viewers are in the right areas.

Some of the most powerful solar flares in years occurred in the first few days of October, producing bright northern lights: An X9.0 solar flare occurred on Oct. 4, the strongest in this solar cycle, days after an X7.1 solar flare on Oct. 1.

Where could the Aurora Borealis be seen?

According to NOAA, states included in the northern lights' potential line of sight include Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. In most of these states, the chances of seeing an aurora borealis are slim, but Alaskans have the best chance of seeing the lights. There is also a slightly higher chance of being spotted in the upper regions of Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota.

When are the Northern Lights visible?

According to NOAA, the lights are best seen between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. NOAA recommends traveling as far north as possible, finding a high vantage point and avoiding light pollution.

What is the best way to photograph the Northern Lights?

Northern lights can be photographed with a smartphone. It's best to forego the flash and use night mode, which is available on newer iPhone models.

Important background

Geomagnetic activity has exceeded scientists' predictions during Solar Cycle 25, the current cycle of activity that the Sun goes through every 11 years. Due to the increasing number of solar flares and geomagnetic storms, the Northern Lights have been frequently visible, and NASA predicts that solar activity will peak sometime in 2025.