Full Breakdown
Aurora Forecast Promises Northern Lights Across Ten U.S. States June 12-13, 2026
6/13/2026, 9:02:20 AM
Aurora Forecast Overview
A geomagnetic disturbance expected to peak overnight Friday, June 12, into early Saturday, June 13, could push the aurora borealis into the northern United States. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projects a Kp index of 4.6 on Friday night and 5.6 in the early Saturday hours, indicating a G2-class storm that may be “quite pleasing” for observers in the right locations.
Solar Activity and Geomagnetic Storm Background
The forecast stems from multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that erupted from the Sun on June 9 and June 11. Charged particles from these CMEs are expected to interact with Earth’s magnetic field, generating the geomagnetic storm that drives the auroral displays.
Forecast Metrics and Expected Visibility
- Kp Index: 4.6 (Friday night) -> 5.6 (early Saturday)
- Storm Class: G2 (moderate) with a possibility of reaching G3 if particle flux intensifies.
- Peak Viewing Window: Approximately 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. local time, when the aurora is most likely to be visible.
Geographic Reach of the Aurora
Baseline (G1-G2) visibility: Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, northern Wisconsin, northern Wyoming, and Maine.
Extended G2 reach (per NOAA and media reports): Oregon, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and additionally Wyoming (per People.com).
Potential G3 expansion (People.com): Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland could see faint auroral activity if the storm intensifies.
Viewing Guidance and Photography Tips
Observers are advised to travel northward to high, north-facing sites away from artificial light. Smartphone users should enable Night Mode (iPhone) or Pro Mode (Android) and disable flash; RAW capture is recommended. Dedicated cameras benefit from an aperture of f/4 or lower, focus set to infinity, and a sturdy tripod for long exposures.
Official Forecast Statements
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center issued alerts for a multi-day geomagnetic storm sequence beginning Friday and lasting through Sunday. The agency highlighted the importance of real-time monitoring, noting that auroral activity can fluctuate rapidly and that alerts may be issued as little as 30 minutes before peak conditions.
Public Guidance and Real-Time Tools
Skywatchers can track evolving conditions through apps such as Space Weather Live, Aurora Now, My Aurora Forecast, and Glendale Aurora. These platforms provide live Kp readings, visibility maps, and push notifications for imminent auroral peaks.
Criticism & Opposition
The source material does not present any organized criticism or opposition to the forecasts or viewing recommendations.
Conflicting Forecast Details & Gaps
- State Inclusion: Forbes lists Wyoming only in the baseline northern-state set, while People.com adds Wyoming to the G2 extension.
- Storm Intensity: Forbes mentions only G2 potential, whereas People.com notes a possible escalation to G3, extending visibility to additional Mid-Atlantic states.
- Exact Kp Values: Forbes provides precise Kp numbers (4.6 and 5.6); People.com references only the G2 classification without numeric Kp detail. These discrepancies illustrate the fluid nature of space-weather modeling.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Topline The aurora borealis could light up skies into the northern United States Friday and Saturday nights thanks to a geomagnetic storm that will push the Kp index to almost six and extend the visibility of the northern lights slightly below the Canadian border.” — Mary Roeloffs, Forbes contributor
- “6 for the early hours of Saturday morning, meaning the aurora may be “quite pleasing” to see in the right places.” — Mary Roeloffs, Forbes contributor
- “The northern lights could give skywatchers a dazzling show tonight and over the weekend, thanks to recent solar events.” — People.com staff, People.com
- “SERGEI GAPON/AFP via Getty The best chance to see the northern lights is expected overnight from Friday, June 12, into the early hours of Saturday, June 13, with NOAA’s forecast showing G2 storm potential.” — People.com staff, People.com
- “, including northern parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Maine.” — People.com staff, People.com
- “However, if G2 conditions materialize, the glow could dip farther south, bringing Oregon, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire into play.” — People.com staff, People.com
What’s Next
NOAA will continue to issue hourly updates through Sunday. Skywatchers should monitor the aforementioned apps for the latest alerts and be prepared for rapid changes in auroral intensity, especially if the storm escalates toward G3 levels.
