Skywatchers across North America are in for a rare treat as a surge in space weather activity sets the stage for a potentially spectacular display of the northern lights, or aurora borealis, over the next two nights. Following a powerful solar eruption late on Sunday, March 29, 2026, scientists are predicting that the colorful phenomenon could be visible much farther south than usual, lighting up skies over parts of the northern United States and even offering a glimmer of hope for those in states not typically treated to the celestial show.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center, a significant X1.4-class solar flare erupted from a magnetically complex region of the sun, known as region 4405, at 11:19 p.m. ET on Sunday. The flare itself lasted several hours and was caught on video by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, providing scientists with valuable data on the event’s intensity and potential impact. As reported by The Economic Times, this solar flare triggered strong radio blackouts on the sunlit side of Earth, disrupting high-frequency radio communications and GPS signals, particularly in Australia and Southern Asia, where it was daylight at the time.
But the real excitement for skywatchers comes from the aftermath of this solar outburst: the partial-halo coronal mass ejection (CME) that was launched alongside the flare. A CME is essentially a massive burst of solar plasma and magnetic field ejected from the sun’s corona. When these clouds of charged particles reach Earth, they can interact with our planet’s magnetic field, sparking geomagnetic storms and, under the right conditions, producing the dancing lights of the aurora borealis.
NOAA forecasters have issued a watch for minor (G1) geomagnetic storm conditions on the night of Monday, March 30, with the possibility of intensifying to moderate (G2) levels by Tuesday, March 31, if the CME fully connects with Earth’s magnetic field. As People magazine explains, “If geomagnetic activity strengthens, auroras could be visible farther south than usual, including parts of the northern United States such as New York, Wisconsin, and Washington.” In fact, up to 15 states could be treated to the spectacle if conditions align, with the best chances in Alaska, Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and the northern reaches of Wisconsin. Those in Wyoming, South Dakota, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, New York State, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine may also catch a glimpse, especially by seeking out high ground and facing north.
For those eager to witness the show, timing and location are everything. The optimal viewing window is typically from late evening through early morning, after sunset, when the skies are darkest and geomagnetic activity often peaks. As The Economic Times notes, “Observers are advised to select locations far from city lights with wide, unobstructed northern horizon views, preferably elevated or rural with minimal light pollution.” Even brief breaks in the clouds can open up opportunities to see the aurora, so persistence pays off.
Patience is another key ingredient. Experts recommend allowing at least 20 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to the darkness—this simple step can make faint auroral glows much easier to spot. As People magazine advises, “You’ll also want to wait at least 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark.”
Once settled in the right spot, observers don’t need any fancy equipment to enjoy the show. The aurora borealis often appears as shimmering waves or curtains of green, pink, or purple light, rippling across the sky as charged solar particles collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. For those hoping to capture the moment, a steady camera setup with long exposure settings works best, but even a smartphone can do the trick. Most modern phones offer “Night Mode” or “Pro Mode,” which allow for longer exposure times and improved low-light performance. “All you have to do is head to your device’s settings and tap the ‘Night Mode’ option or ‘Pro Mode’ with similar exposure times,” People magazine suggests. Stability is key, so propping your phone or camera on a solid surface will help prevent blurry shots.
Monday night’s aurora is expected to be relatively mild except in Alaska and Canada, where the lights are a regular feature during strong geomagnetic events. But the real excitement may come on Tuesday, as the CME’s effects are forecast to peak. According to USA Today, “Tuesday’s aurora is forecasted to be more of a show, with 15 states potentially in line to see the northern lights.” Even in locations where the aurora is not strong enough to fill the sky, those who climb to higher elevations and face north may catch a faint glow along the horizon.
So, why is this event so special? The northern lights are usually confined to high-latitude regions near the Arctic, such as Alaska, northern Canada, and Scandinavia. Only during periods of heightened solar activity—like the one triggered by this recent X1.4-class flare—do the auroras have a chance to reach lower latitudes, making them accessible to millions more stargazers. The last few weeks have seen relatively calm skies, with only a few mild auroras, so this surge in activity is a welcome change for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
While the science behind the aurora is complex, the experience of seeing the lights is simple and awe-inspiring. As The Economic Times explains, “They are natural light displays caused by solar particles interacting with Earth’s atmosphere. They often appear in green, pink, and purple colors.” The phenomenon is a vivid reminder of the dynamic relationship between our planet and the sun, and how events 93 million miles away can create beauty in our own backyard.
Of course, there’s no guarantee with space weather. The precise timing and intensity of auroras depend on a host of factors, including the speed and direction of the CME, the state of Earth’s magnetic field, and local weather conditions. Cloud cover can dash hopes in an instant, while a sudden clearing can turn an ordinary night into an unforgettable one. But with the odds in their favor, skywatchers across the northern United States have every reason to keep their eyes on the sky tonight and tomorrow.
For those who miss out this time, take heart—solar activity tends to ebb and flow, and with the sun currently in an active phase of its 11-year cycle, more opportunities are likely on the horizon. Until then, bundle up, find a dark spot, and get ready to experience one of nature’s most dazzling spectacles. The northern lights may just be waiting to put on a show that no one will soon forget.