Night skies over Montana, Wisconsin, and other northern states are set to light up with vibrant displays of the aurora borealis this week due to a series of geomagnetic storms. Residents are being advised to look skyward as a strong G3 geomagnetic storm is predicted to make the northern lights visible on Thursday night, March 27, 2025.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), the aurora borealis may be visible due to significant solar activity affecting the Earth. A coronal mass ejection has already made waves, with its effects cascading through the upper atmosphere. This wave of solar particles interacting with Earth’s gases results in the awe-inspiring phenomenon known as the northern lights.
As Montanans and other residents of the northern U.S. prepare for the spectacle, tips are being shared widely on social media. "If you want to witness the aurora borealis, here are a few tips: get out of town, away from city lights; find a place that's really dark; be patient; and check the forecast," said representatives from NOAA.
Viewing conditions will be particularly favorable between 10 PM and 2 AM local time, when the lights are expected to be at their brightest. The combination of clear skies and dark nights are essential for an optimal experience, something that Montana offers with its expansive natural landscapes.
The northern lights are expected to display brightly not only in Montana but also in parts of Wisconsin, where forecasts indicate visibility may extend as far south as central Wisconsin by Tuesday night, March 25, when the Kp index is expected to rise to four. The incremental rise in this geomagnetic activity scale signifies increasing conditions for auroral activity.
Wisconsin's northern entrances to observe the lights include scenic spots like Newport State Park and Kettle Moraine State Forest, where dark skies prevail and enhance chances of a spectacular sight. Local weather services affirm that conditions in areas such as Wausau and Appleton should be mostly clear, further increasing the likelihood of residents catching a glimpse.
Meanwhile, forecasts for New York are just as promising, particularly for those in the Upstate region. The intriguing dance of colors in the sky is on track to be a double feature in the observant areas, with previous storms already bringing the lights down to places that typically don't experience such displays. This phenomenon was recently echoed as northern lights were reported as far south as Pennsylvania this past Friday.
With anticipation high among both astronomy enthusiasts and casual spectators alike, local meteorologists urge enthusiasts to take full advantage of this rare occurrence. They remind everyone that being remote or higher up can dramatically enhance the viewing experience away from the interference of city lights.
As the days progress, coronal holes on the sun continue to play a crucial role in the delivery of solar particles, which energize and create the stunning light displays. A coronal hole is described by NOAA as, "an area on the surface of the Sun with cooler plasma that appears like a dark hole in satellite images." When these high-speed solar particles engage with oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth’s atmosphere, they emit light, resulting in nature's most mesmerizing show.
Given this week’s predictions of G3 storm levels and the potential for G1 and G2 ratings later in the week, the excitement for aurora watchers is surely electrifying. As noted, observations might swell coming up to the weekend, suggesting that the aurora borealis won't just be a fleeting experience but one that could play out over several nights.
Local communities are gearing up to document the spectacle, with many residents sharing previous stunning captures on social media from similar occurrences. The captivating presence of the north lights in what are usually quiet corners of the northern states is not just a meteorological event but one that unites communities under the mesmerizing canvas of the skies.
As we watch and wait for these remarkable displays to unfold, the collective sentiment is one of wonder. The merging of space weather with nightly entertainment is sure to leave memories for years to come for both the ardent skywatchers and casual passersby. Whether a first-time viewer or a seasoned observer, the northern lights promise to be a highlight of this week.
