Sat Jun 28 04:40:00 UTC 2025: **Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:**

**Northern Lights May Dance Across Several U.S. States Tonight**

Washington – Get ready to look up! A period of moderate geomagnetic storms is predicted to impact Earth’s magnetic field late Thursday and early Friday, potentially bringing the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, to a wider range of U.S. states than usual.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a Kp index of four, indicating that the Northern Lights will be active and visible from areas further away from the poles. Alaska is expected to have the highest chance of witnessing the display. States including northern Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota and Upper Michigan also have a good chance. Even parts of Washington, northern Idaho, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Maine could catch a glimpse, depending on weather conditions.

The geomagnetic activity is due to effects from a less dense spot on the sun’s surface. While minor storms occurred earlier Thursday, the isolated moderate storming period is expected to peak late tonight.

The best time to view the Northern Lights is typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. Experts advise finding a high vantage point away from city lights.

The recent increase in aurora sightings is attributed to the sun reaching its “solar maximum,” a period of heightened solar activity that occurs roughly every 11 years. This latest solar maximum has exceeded expectations, and strong auroral displays are expected to continue through early 2026.

Photographers hoping to capture the spectacle are advised to use a wide-angle lens, a low aperture setting (F-stop of four or lower), and a tripod for stability. Smartphone users should enable night mode and disable the flash.

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