The Northern Lights may be visible in the U.S. this week, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center. A G2-rated geomagnetic storm is forecasted, potentially bringing aurora displays to northern U.S. states, Canada, and northern Europe on Tuesday, April 22, and Wednesday, April 23.
U.S. states along the northern horizon, especially Alaska and those bordering Canada, have the highest chance of witnessing the aurora. The Kp index, a measure of aurora intensity, may reach 5 or 6, expanding the auroral oval southward. A G2 geomagnetic storm can cause minor technological disruptions such as radio blackouts and GPS malfunctions, but also increases the chance of spotting auroras at lower latitudes than usual.
This geomagnetic storm is caused by the solar wind interacting with Earth's magnetic field. The intensity of the solar wind intensifies during solar maximum, which is thought to have occurred in October 2024. The moon will be in its last quarter phase, creating dark skies ideal for viewing. The evening of Tuesday, April 22, will be particularly dark. Aurora are best viewed in dark country skies, away from light pollution.
Aurora watchers may also catch the tail-end of the Lyrids meteor shower, which peaks on April 22. The early hours of Tuesday, April 22, offer a chance to see the Lyrids at their peak. The Lyrid meteor shower is active between April 16 and April 25, and during the peak, Earth passes through the densest part of the debris stream left behind by Comet Thatcher, which delivers the highest chance of a great shooting star show.