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NOAA predicts weak aurora chance in US, Alaska shines

7/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

NOAA forecasts a low chance of aurora visibility in northern United States on July 5, 2026.
NOAA expects a Kp index of four and coronal mass ejection to arrive by Sunday, which could cause geomagnetic storms.
Visibility is low for Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula but high for Alaska; travelers should avoid light pollution, view 10 p.m.–2 a.m., and use a tripod with RAW mode on smartphones.

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Story summary

NOAA forecasts a low chance of aurora visibility in northern United States on July 5, 2026.
NOAA expects a Kp index of four and coronal mass ejection to arrive by Sunday, which could cause geomagnetic storms.
Visibility is low for Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula but high for Alaska; travelers should avoid light pollution, view 10 p.m.–2 a.m., and use a tripod with RAW mode on smartphones.