Stargazers across the northern United States are in for a rare celestial treat this week, as the northern lights—also known as the aurora borealis—are poised to make a dazzling appearance on multiple nights thanks to heightened solar activity. According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, a combination of a coronal mass ejection (CME) and high-speed solar wind streams from a coronal hole could spark geomagnetic storms, potentially illuminating the skies as far south as the U.S.-Canada border and even beyond.
After several weeks of increased geomagnetic activity tied to the spring equinox, Earth’s magnetic field has started to calm, but the show is far from over. The next major window for aurora viewing kicks off late Thursday, March 26, into the early hours of Friday, March 27, with another round possible on Sunday night, March 29, and into Monday, March 30. The equinox effect, which occurs when Earth's magnetic field is positioned to allow solar particles to interact more easily with the magnetosphere, is enhancing the likelihood of brilliant auroral displays.
So, what exactly is fueling this cosmic spectacle? The answer lies in recent solar activity. NOAA forecasters have reported a moderate solar flare and lingering solar wind streams that are adding momentum to aurora activity. For Thursday night into Friday morning, a CME is expected to pass near Earth. Although models suggest the brunt of this solar energy may miss us, even a glancing blow is enough to spark faint auroras—especially when the equinox effect is in play. "This is especially true when considering the ‘equinox effect,’ when Earth’s magnetic field is positioned in a way that allows charged particles from the sun to more easily interact with our planet’s magnetosphere," reports People magazine.
Looking ahead to Sunday night, NOAA is forecasting a Kp index of 4 out of 9, which means the aurora could be visible farther south than usual and may appear brighter, with more “motions and formations.” According to Forbes, "NOAA predicted a Kp index of four out of nine for Sunday night, meaning the lights will be visible further south from the magnetic north pole and appear brighter with more ‘motions and formations.’" Minor geomagnetic storms up to a G1 out of 5 on NOAA’s scale were expected early on Saturday morning, March 28, as well.
But where should hopeful skywatchers go to catch the northern lights in action? The strongest chances are expected across northern states closest to the Canadian border, including Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine. If geomagnetic activity intensifies, the aurora could extend farther south into parts of New York, New Hampshire, and Vermont, though displays there would likely be faint and difficult to see without a camera. On the West Coast, northern Washington and the Idaho Panhandle are prime spots, while on the East Coast, viewers in northern Maine stand a good chance at catching the show. According to NOAA, “the aurora could be visible from states along the U.S.-Canada border on the night of March 29, 2026, including northern Washington, the Idaho Panhandle, most of Montana, North Dakota, northern South Dakota, northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and northern Maine.”
For those determined to maximize their chances, experts recommend traveling as far north as possible, aiming for a vantage point with a clear view of the night sky. The aurora can be visible up to 600 miles south from where it appears, so even those not directly under the auroral oval could be treated to a faint glow. The best viewing hours are typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., when geomagnetic activity tends to peak. As People notes, “the key is to find a spot away from city lights using a light pollution map or a dark-sky finder. You’ll also need a clear northern sky and patience! Remember, auroras are inherently unpredictable and often come in waves.”
Weather, as always, plays a crucial role. Clear skies are essential for aurora viewing, and light pollution can quickly wash out even a strong display. City dwellers are encouraged to seek out dark-sky parks or rural areas for the best experience. With the unpredictability of space weather, it’s wise to keep checking live forecasts and geomagnetic updates throughout the evening, as conditions can shift minute by minute.
For those hoping to capture the magic on camera, the good news is that you don’t need a professional setup. Long exposures are the secret to photographing the northern lights, and most modern smartphones are up to the task. According to National Geographic experts cited by Forbes, “smartphone cameras are capable of capturing quality photos of the northern lights.” They recommend turning off the flash, using your device’s night mode, shooting in RAW image format, setting your phone on a tripod, and using a remote timer for the steadiest results. People magazine adds, “all you have to do is head to your device’s settings and tap the ‘Night Mode’ option or ‘Pro Mode,’ which offers similar exposure times.”
The science behind the aurora remains as fascinating as ever. The phenomenon is caused by geomagnetic storms—disturbances in Earth’s magnetic field triggered when charged particles from the sun collide with atmospheric gases, creating those iconic shimmering curtains of light. The current wave of activity is being driven by both a CME and high-speed solar wind streams from a coronal hole. Coronal holes are regions of the sun’s outer atmosphere that are cooler and denser, with unipolar magnetic fields. When these streams interact with Earth’s magnetic field, they can trigger geomagnetic storms, even if the storms are relatively mild. As Forbes explains, “forecasters expect high speed solar wind streams from a coronal hole on March 29, 2026, which can cause geomagnetic storms by interacting with Earth's magnetic field.”
NOAA predicts that geomagnetic conditions could briefly reach unsettled-to-active levels, with isolated minor G1 storm periods possible before activity gradually quiets down. Even minor storms can push the aurora farther south, making this an exciting opportunity for those who don’t normally get to witness the phenomenon.
For first-timers and seasoned aurora hunters alike, this week promises a memorable skywatching experience—if the weather and space weather cooperate. Whether you’re bundled up in Alaska, standing in a Michigan field, or peering out from a Maine hillside, the northern lights are a reminder of the dynamic connection between our planet and the sun. And with a bit of luck, patience, and a clear night, you just might find yourself under a canopy of dancing lights.