Northern lights visible across multiple states tonight

A minor geomagnetic storm could bring auroras to more than a dozen U.S. states tonight, with peak viewing late evening to early morning.

Northern Lights Visible Across Dozens of States Tonight

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center has forecast a minor geomagnetic storm that could bring auroras to more than a dozen states. Potential viewing areas include Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Peak viewing is expected between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. The brighter displays may appear because the moon is in a darker phase, helping colors stand out.

To maximize visibility, viewers should seek dark, open skies away from city lights. The phase of the moon will help keep skies dark, making greens and pinks more vivid on camera. The sun’s increasing activity, part of the move toward a solar maximum, has boosted aurora frequency this year and is expected to continue into 2026, according to NOAA and NASA. The aurora community can track sightings in real time on Aurorasaurus, a citizen science platform.

This forecast shows how accessible space weather news has become to the public. A clear night and a little patience turn a scientific forecast into a shared moment of wonder.

As solar activity climbs, more people will chase the aurora, turning a natural event into a social ritual. The upside is greater interest in space science; the risk is hype or misinterpretation if forecasts shift before people commit to plans.

Highlights

More opportunities to glimpse this celestial light show may come as the solar cycle continues.