ToplineThe 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. The Aurora Borealis lights up the night sky over Monroe, Wisconsin, on Nov. 11, 2025.NurPhoto via Getty ImagesKey FactsThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a Kp index of 4.6 for Friday night and 5.6 for the early hours of Saturday morning, meaning the aurora may be “quite pleasing” to see in the right places. NOAAhas predicted geomagnetic storms to arrive from Friday to Sunday spurred by the arrival of multiple coronal mass ejections, or eruptions of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun's outer atmosphere.Saturday night may also provide a chance at seeing the northern lights, as NOAA has issued a Kp index of 4.6. Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here: joinsubtext.com/forbes.Which States Will See Northern Lights Thursday Night? NOAA’s forecast shows a chance of seeing the northern lights in Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, northern Colorado, South Dakota, Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and Michigan. Those states have a relatively low chance of catching the lights compared to much of Alaska, where a “high” chance of visibility is forecast for a large portion of the state’s interior (see graphic below). The northern lights forecast for Friday, June 12, 2026. NOAAWhat’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?The best chance of seeing the lights usually comes between between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, according to NOAA. Hopeful viewers should travel as far north as possible to a high, north-facing vantage point away from light pollution.How Should The Northern Lights Be Photographed? Those using an iPhone should use night mode and those with an Android should use the device’s Pro mode. All smartphone photographers should disable flash and shoot in RAW image format. Those using a separate camera could set the aperture or F-stop to four or less and use a focus set to the furthest possible setting. All photographers should use a tripod for stabilizing the image.