MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA — A weakening but still visible aurora opportunity exists tonight Friday June 5, 2026, as the night sky forecast valid 9:00 PM ET through 5:00 AM ET shows a Kp 5 G1 geomagnetic storm level remaining active with naked eye aurora viewing possible to approximately 44 degrees north latitude and camera detection reaching as far south as 40 degrees north latitude across portions of the northern United States.
Strongest Geomagnetic Storming Already Passed but Kp 5 G1 Level Remains Tonight
The strongest geomagnetic storming from the recent CME event already occurred during daylight hours this morning, meaning tonight represents the weaker leftover activity at a Kp 5 G1 level. While conditions are less intense than the peak morning activity, Kp 5 still represents a meaningful geomagnetic disturbance capable of producing visible aurora displays across the northern tier of the United States under favorable sky conditions. A 68 percent illuminated moon will present a challenge for viewing tonight, requiring dark sky locations away from light pollution for the best chance of seeing the aurora display.
Naked Eye Aurora Viewing Line Reaches Approximately 44 Degrees North Tonight
The night sky forecast map updated June 5, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET shows the naked eye aurora view line sitting at approximately 44 degrees north latitude, placing naked eye viewing potential across the northern tier states including northern Montana, northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, northern Michigan, and into northern New England including Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Residents at or north of the green naked eye view line have the best opportunity to spot the aurora directly with the unaided eye by looking low to the northern horizon tonight.
Camera Detection Line Extends to Approximately 40 Degrees North Covering Broader Region
For residents further south, camera detection of the aurora remains possible to approximately 40 degrees north latitude, extending the viewing opportunity southward into central Montana, central Minnesota, Iowa, northern Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Long exposure photography pointed toward the northern horizon after dark tonight may be able to capture the aurora glow even where naked eye visibility is limited by the southern position and bright 68 percent moon.
Sky Conditions Clear to Excellent Across Western US with Mixed Conditions in East
The night sky conditions map shows clear to excellent viewing conditions across much of the western United States including Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and the Pacific Northwest, making those areas particularly favorable for aurora viewing tonight. Sky conditions are more variable across the Midwest and East due to cloud cover associated with the active storm systems tracking through those regions this evening.
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