As heightened solar activity reached its peak this summer, Northern Lights sightings have been an unexpected bonus for sky watchers across the United States. From June 23 through 25, 2025, NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center and other experts forecasted auroras dipping into parts of the continental U.S., a rare summer occurrence garnering nationwide attention.
/*Timeline and Solar Context*/
A surge in solar flares and coronal mass ejections in mid-June generated G1–G2 geomagnetic storms, with NOAA issuing alerts for June 23–25. On June 19, an X1.9-class solar flare erupted; one of two major flares during the week, electrifying Earth's magnetic field and sending auroras plunging southward. Viewing windows were optimal after sunset to pre-dawn, when nighttime returned even in high-latitude states during the solstice.
/*States with Prime Aurora Views*/
Experts listed 14 to 15 states in the auroral visibility area on June 25, which were:
Alaska (prime location), Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Clear night skies in northern locations offered the best conditions, with marginal states needing darker, obstruction-free horizons to spot greenish curtains of light.
/*Viewing Tips and Tools*/
For optimal viewing, observers were advised to locate areas clear of city lights, parks, lake shores, countryside, between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. The spectacular displays would be captured using basic smartphone Night Mode settings, with amateur astronomers being counseled to monitor NOAA's live three-day aurora dashboard and OVATION model for the most current predictions. While summer twilight cut viewing time, strong geomagnetic activity continued to make appearances possible.
/*Historical Context and Future Outlook*/
We are now in Solar Cycle 25, moving towards its peak, historically a period of more frequent and stronger auroras at lower latitudes. Last year's mid-May geomagnetic storm allowed auroras as far south as Florida and Texas, a precedent that will be repeated this season. Summer aurora events have occasionally surprised observers in the past, reminding us that November–March is no longer the only period for U.S. Northern Lights chases.
/*Viewer Stories and Scientific Significance*/
Although there was no reported damage to infrastructure or casualties, the event caught the attention of both stargazers and meteorologists. Amateur astronomers in North Dakota claimed to have captured emerald arcs, and impromptu night‑watch parties were held in Washington State towns. NASA astronauts aboard the ISS even shared a breathtaking aurora-time-lapse video, reflecting the event both as a natural spectacle and as a daylight‑saving reminder to get the masses to pay attention to space weather.