The night sky across northern parts of the United States is about to put on a rare and breathtaking show, as the Northern Lights—also known as the aurora borealis—are forecasted to be visible across as many as 15 states between January 8 and January 9, 2026. This spectacle, typically reserved for the far reaches of Alaska or Canada, is being driven much farther south by an unusual surge of solar activity. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a G1-level geomagnetic storm, triggered by a potent burst of solar wind and several coronal mass ejections (CMEs), is set to peak overnight, creating ideal conditions for aurora chasers in the U.S. (as reported by Space.com and NOAA).
So, what’s behind this rare opportunity? According to RUSSPAIN and Space.com, an exceptionally fast stream of solar wind—traveling at up to 700 kilometers per second, which is more than double the usual background speed—is colliding with Earth’s magnetosphere. This, combined with multiple CMEs heading toward our planet, is expected to spark minor geomagnetic storms, pushing the auroral oval well into the northern United States. The result: colorful ribbons and waves of light could appear in the night sky, sometimes as far south as New York, Vermont, and even Wyoming, depending on how the storm unfolds.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a geomagnetic storm watch for January 9, 2026, and their aurora forecast maps show that the best chances for seeing the lights will be in Alaska, Washington, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. But that’s not all. Residents in Minnesota, Michigan, Maine, Wisconsin, Idaho, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York are also in the potential visibility zone, with cities and towns in these states urged to keep an eye on the northern horizon. As the SWPC notes, “The lights are typically best within an hour or two of midnight, meaning you should keep an eye out between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.” But the best window, according to multiple sources, is between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. Eastern time, when geomagnetic activity is expected to be at its peak.
Of course, seeing the aurora is never a guarantee. Even with the perfect storm of solar activity, a few earthly obstacles remain. Chief among them: the weather. As the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel points out, rain and cloudy skies across parts of Wisconsin—one of the prime viewing states—could hinder the view for many hopeful skywatchers. Cities like Milwaukee, Wausau, Stevens Point, Green Bay, and Appleton are all forecasted to have varying degrees of cloud cover or precipitation throughout the night of January 8, potentially obscuring the spectacle. And even in clear conditions, urban light pollution remains a formidable foe. The glow from city lights can easily overpower the faint arcs of the aurora, especially in more southern states where the display is likely to be dimmer and lower on the horizon.
For those determined not to miss out, experts recommend heading to rural areas or designated Dark Sky parks—places where artificial lighting is minimal and the view to the north is unobstructed. According to the Daily Galaxy and Space.com, some of the best spots in Wisconsin include Newport State Park, the Driftless Region, Harrington Beach State Park, Kettle Moraine State Forest, Kohler-Andrae State Park, and Parnell Tower. But similar advice holds true in every state within the auroral viewline: get away from city lights, find a high vantage point, and look north.
Experienced aurora hunters also stress the importance of patience and preparation. As RUSSPAIN notes, “Let your eyes adjust to the darkness—just 30 minutes without bright screens or white light is enough.” Even a quick glance at your phone can ruin your night vision, so resist the urge to check social media while you wait. Instead, use your phone’s camera to scan the sky; modern smartphones can often pick up faint auroras before they’re visible to the naked eye. For those hoping to capture the moment, a tripod and long exposure settings are your best friends. Experimenting with different camera settings can yield stunning results, even if the aurora appears faint or milky to the eye.
Staying warm is another crucial tip—January nights in the northern states are notoriously cold, and aurora hunting often involves long stretches of waiting outdoors. Layer up, bring a thermos, and settle in for what could be a once-in-a-lifetime show. As Daisy Dobrijevic, a space writer for Space.com, puts it: “Part of the fun of aurora hunting is the chase. Be prepared to sit or stand outside for hours if conditions are looking promising, as you won’t want to miss the show when it starts!”
For those who want a technological edge, there are several apps designed to track aurora activity and send real-time alerts when conditions are favorable. Popular options include My Aurora Forecast & Alerts and Space Weather Live, both available for iOS and Android. These tools use up-to-date space weather data to help users identify the best viewing times and locations, increasing the odds of catching the elusive lights. The SWPC also offers a short-term forecast tool showing the aurora’s location and intensity for the next 30 to 90 minutes, which can be invaluable for last-minute planning.
Why all the fuss? Beyond their beauty, the Northern Lights are a vivid reminder of our planet’s connection to the sun. As RUSSPAIN explains, the aurora borealis occurs when charged solar particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, producing dazzling displays of light that dance across the polar skies. During strong solar flares, these displays can extend much farther south, offering millions of people a glimpse of a phenomenon usually reserved for the Arctic. While geomagnetic storms can sometimes disrupt satellites, radio communications, and even power grids, for most people, this is a rare chance to witness nature’s magic firsthand—no plane ticket required.
Of course, the aurora is nothing if not unpredictable. Sometimes, despite all the forecasts and anticipation, the lights simply don’t show up. But as many seasoned skywatchers will tell you, the hope and excitement of the chase are half the experience. Whether you’re a seasoned aurora hunter or a first-timer hoping for a miracle, the coming nights promise the possibility of unforgettable memories—and maybe, just maybe, the best photos of your life.
As the geomagnetic storm peaks overnight on January 8 and 9, all eyes will be on the northern horizon. The only thing left is to bundle up, head outside, and hope that this cosmic show lives up to the hype.
