A Celestial Spectacle: Northern Lights Poised to Dazzle U.S. States on June 25

Aurora enthusiasts, prepare for a potentially mesmerizing display tonight, June 25, 2025. A celestial ballet may unfold across the skies of several northern U.S. states, as a stream of solar wind from a coronal hole on the sun is set to incite geomagnetic activity. According to the latest forecasts from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), there is a "slight chance" for S1 (Minor) solar radiation storms between June 23 and June 25, with the final night expected to be the strongest for auroral activity.

The Kp index, a crucial gauge of geomagnetic activity, is predicted to reach 4 tonight, signifying unsettled to active conditions but not quite reaching the moderate G2 storm threshold (which begins at Kp 6). The Kp index ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating more intense auroral activity. Under these conditions, the auroral oval may extend southward, allowing glimpses of the northern lights on the horizon in states such as northern Washington, northern Idaho, northern Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and northern Michigan, especially from vantage points free of light pollution.

Stay informed with our aurora forecast live blog, where you can track the latest updates and geomagnetic storm warnings. The UK Met Office notes that while solar activity remains subdued, "a fast wind is expected to arrive" late on June 25, which could enhance the likelihood of auroras at high latitudes. However, the proximity to the June solstice presents a challenge, as shorter nights and persistent twilight may obscure views in some regions.

In the U.S., Alaska remains the prime location for witnessing this natural wonder tonight. Should the predicted activity materialize, the auroras might extend their reach to northern states, but widespread visibility as far south as New York or Oregon is less likely under current forecasts. Below is a list of the states with the best chances to experience this phenomenon, based on their proximity to the auroral oval and current NOAA projections:

- Alaska

- Minnesota (northern)

- North Dakota

- Montana (northern)

- Maine

- Michigan (northern)

- Wisconsin (northern)

- Vermont

- New Hampshire

- Washington (northern)

- Oregon (northern)

- Idaho (northern)

- New York (northern)

- South Dakota (northern)

As seasoned aurora chasers know, these celestial displays can be capricious. Sometimes, they surprise by appearing farther south than anticipated; on other occasions, they remain elusive. The perfect show requires a confluence of ideal conditions, and it's entirely possible that more states will witness the spectacle tonight—or perhaps fewer.

For those eager to catch a glimpse of the northern lights, the key is to find a north-facing vantage point far removed from urban light pollution. The optimal viewing window is just after sunset and in the hours before sunrise, as the summer months curtail nighttime hours for observing these luminous wonders.

Good luck to all the aurora chasers out there! Keep an eye on the Northern Hemisphere aurora forecast, courtesy of the Met Office, and may the skies be clear and the auroras vibrant.

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