ILLINOIS — Residents in Aurora and other parts of northern Illinois may be treated to a rare celestial display tonight as the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are forecast to be visible across parts of the northern U.S.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a geomagnetic storm watch, with solar activity expected to peak overnight on Tuesday, June 24, and Wednesday, June 25. This may bring a light show to skies typically too far south to see such phenomena.
What’s Causing the Aurora This Week?
According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, a minor geomagnetic storm has been triggered by a large coronal hole on the sun’s surface, which is releasing a stream of solar wind toward Earth.
This solar activity is pushing the Kp index (a scale measuring auroral intensity) to around level 5, which is high enough to potentially make the aurora visible as far south as parts of Iowa and northern Illinois — including areas around Aurora and Chicago’s western suburbs.
Which States Are in the Best Viewing Zone?
While the most likely views will occur closer to the U.S.-Canada border, NOAA’s forecast indicates potential visibility across 14 states, including:
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Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan
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Iowa and northern Illinois
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Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas
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As well as parts of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine
For Illinois residents, the best chance will be in areas with minimal light pollution — rural locations or open fields just outside Aurora are ideal.
Best Time and Places to Watch in Aurora
Experts recommend watching the sky between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., the typical peak time for auroral activity.
According to MIT observatory manager Tim Brothers, the ideal viewing spot is “a field or hilltop away from city lights.” For Aurora locals, consider heading toward Aurora West Forest Preserve, Oakhurst Forest Preserve, or even Big Rock Forest Preserve for clearer skies and minimal light interference.
NOAA also provides a 30-minute aurora forecast, which can be tracked in real-time using its Glendale App or website updates from satellites like DSCOVR and ACE.
Why This Matters for Illinois Viewers
The Northern Lights are rarely visible this far south, and events like this are often limited to just a few nights per year. The current conditions — driven by a G2-level geomagnetic storm — make this one of the best opportunities in recent memory for Aurora residents to witness the phenomenon without traveling out of state.
So far, skies are expected to be partly clear tonight, improving the odds for viewing — though conditions can change quickly based on local weather and solar wind speed.
Will you be heading out to spot the Northern Lights in Aurora? Share your photos or tips at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
