Possibility of Aurora Borealis sightings in 23 U.S. states during June
Get ready for an incredible light show tonight (June 1)! The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that the northern lights could be visible from 15 U.S. states on June 2, thanks to ongoing geomagnetic storm conditions.
Earth is currently shaking from a fast-moving coronal mass ejection (CME) impact, which occurred early in the morning of June 1, creating chaos in our planet's magnetic field – a perfect setting for aurora sightings.
According to forecasts from the U.K. Met Office, we can expect frequent G1 to G2 level storming, with occasional G3 and even G4 level storms possible on June 1-2. If we reach G3 or G4 storm levels, you might even see the auroras in high-latitude states like Michigan and Maine, as suggested by NOAA.
Keen to witness this natural spectacle? Keep an eye on NOAA's 3-day forecast for the latest updates, and make your way to a north-facing vantage point as far away from light pollution as possible. And remember, the early morning hours around 1 and 2 a.m. might just be the ticket for catching the northern lights as we approach the summer solstice on June 20/21.
Here's the list of states where you'll have the best chance of spotting the northern lights:
- Alaska (highest probability)
- Montana
- North Dakota
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Maine
- Idaho
- Washington
- Oregon
- New York
- Massachusetts
Bear in mind that auroras can be finicky – sometimes they pop up much farther south than predicted, and other times they barely show up at all. So keep your fingers crossed and your eyes on the skies!
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Enrichment Data:
NOAA’s recent predictions for June 2, 2025, indicated that the northern lights (aurora borealis) could be visible across 15 U.S. states, with the highest likelihood in certain regions and lower chances in others, depending on geomagnetic storm intensity and viewing conditions. While NOAA does not provide pinpoint addresses, it does outline which states and general regions within those states have the best chances to see the aurora.
Some of the best regions for viewing the northern lights in each state are:
- Alaska: Rural, northern (highest probability)
- Washington: Northern, rural eastern
- Montana: Northern, rural
- Idaho: North, mountains
- Oregon: Northern, eastern
- North Dakota: Entire state, best in rural northern regions
- South Dakota: Northern, western
- Minnesota: Northeast, Arrowhead region
- Wisconsin: Northern, Door County
- Michigan: Upper Peninsula, northern Lower
- Iowa: Northern (rare, low probability)
- Wyoming: Northern (rare, low probability)
- New York: Northern, especially the Adirondacks (rare, low probability)
- New Hampshire: Northern, rural
- Maine: Northern, rural, coastal
While viewing conditions can vary, the best times for spotting the northern lights are from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. local time, and clear night skies are essential for visibility. Focus on rural, northern, and high-elevation areas for the best chances to catch a glimpse of this incredible light show. Make sure you're as far away from city lights as possible for the best views.
- With the upcoming geomagnetic storm conditions, news about the northern lights visibility on June 2 is stirring excitement among skywatchers.
- The weather forecast from the U.K. Met Office predicts frequent G1 to G2 level storming on June 1-2, indicating a potential for high-latitude states like Michigan and Maine to witness the auroras.
- In addition to keeping track of NOAA's predictions for upcoming aurora sightings, make sure to stay updated on space-and-astronomy news and rocket launches by joining our website's newsletter.
