Northern lights may be visible in 20 US states, including Michigan. Where, when to see it.

Northern Lights Visible in 20 US States Including Michigan

Residents in up to 20 U.S. states may have the chance to witness the northern lights on Thursday night, November 6. This natural display is expected to be especially strong in Michigan, weather permitting.

When and Where to See the Aurora

The northern lights will start appearing late Thursday night, continuing into the early morning of Friday, November 7, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The display could also be visible again Friday night.

Michigan Viewing Details

Reason for the Extended Visibility

NOAA reports a moderate geomagnetic storm, triggered by solar eruptions sending charged particles toward Earth's magnetic field earlier this week. This storm allows the northern lights to be visible farther south than usual.

NOAA states: "A G3 geomagnetic storm, a worldwide disturbance of Earth's magnetic field, is expected to produce a Kp index of 7."

The Kp index measures the severity of geomagnetic disturbances, ranging from 0 to 9. Usually, a Kp index of 5 or more means the northern lights may be visible across Michigan.

Summary

Weather permitting, Michigan and surrounding states have a significant opportunity to observe a bright northern lights display on November 6 and possibly November 7, driven by a notable geomagnetic storm.

"The northern lights may be visible across up to 20 U.S. states," says NOAA's Weather Prediction Center.

Author's Summary: A strong geomagnetic storm on November 6 could allow the northern lights to be seen across Michigan and up to 20 states, extending farther south than usual.

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Lansing State Journal Lansing State Journal — 2025-11-06

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