Aurora Borealis Alert: 9 States Set for Northern Lights Display

WHO:

Fast Company - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is involved in forecasting the aurora borealis.

Forbes - NOAA is also mentioned as the source of the aurora forecast.

WHAT:

Fast Company - The aurora borealis is expected to be visible in nine states due to a solar flare.

Fast Company - The NOAA predicts a K-index of 5, indicating the aurora will be bright and visible.

Forbes - Forecasters expect geomagnetic storms to start impacting Earth on Thursday.

Forbes - The Kp index is predicted to be five out of nine, suggesting a brighter and more dynamic aurora.

Forbes - A powerful X-class solar flare was observed on June 30, which is associated with the upcoming aurora.

WHERE:

Fast Company - The aurora could be visible in Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Alaska.

Forbes - The northern lights have a low likelihood of being visible from states along the U.S.-Canadian border, including parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

WHEN:

Fast Company - The aurora is expected to be visible on July 2 and 3.

Forbes - Geomagnetic storms are predicted to start in the early morning hours on Friday.

WHY:

Fast Company - The aurora is caused by a coronal mass ejection associated with a solar flare.

Forbes - Coronal mass ejections are bursts of solar material that interact with Earth's magnetic field, causing geomagnetic storms.

HOW:

Fast Company - The best time to view the aurora is between 10 pm and 2 am local time.

Forbes - Viewers are advised to travel north towards Earth's magnetic north pole and find a vantage point away from light pollution.

(UPDATED July 2, 2026 21:26 UTC)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, is forecasting that the aurora borealis will be visible in nine states due to a powerful X-class solar flare observed on June 30. The aurora is expected to be particularly bright, with a K-index of 5, making it visible in places like Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska on July 2 and 3, while geomagnetic storms are predicted to start impacting Earth in the early morning hours on Friday. For the best viewing experience, experts recommend heading north towards Earth's magnetic north pole and finding a spot away from light pollution between 10 PM and 2 AM local time.