Sun Aug 31 21:20:00 UTC 2025: **News Article: Northern Lights Could Dazzle More Than a Dozen States on Labor Day**

**Washington, D.C. -** Skywatchers across a significant portion of the northern United States could be treated to a stunning display of the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, this Labor Day. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting moderate to severe geomagnetic storms that could push the lights as far south as central Iowa and northern Illinois.

The geomagnetic activity is expected to peak Monday night as the Earth is impacted by a coronal mass ejection (CME) released from the sun on August 30th. NOAA predicts a Kp index of six on a scale of nine, indicating that the Northern Lights could be visible across a wider area than usual. The effects of the CME may linger into Tuesday morning, potentially enhancing the display further south.

While the highest likelihood of viewing the aurora remains in northern Canada and Alaska, a substantial chance exists for residents of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

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

For those hoping to capture the spectacle, photography experts recommend using a wide-angle lens, an aperture of F/4 or less, and focusing to the furthest possible setting if using a traditional camera. Smartphone users should enable night mode, disable the flash, and use a tripod for stability.

The increased aurora visibility is linked to the current solar cycle. NOAA and NASA report that the sun entered a “solar maximum” late last year, leading to more frequent coronal mass ejections and solar flares, which are responsible for the vibrant displays. These solar events send charged particles toward Earth, which then collide with atmospheric gases, creating the shimmering lights. This uptick in solar activity is expected to continue through early 2026, offering more opportunities to witness the Northern Lights in the coming years.

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