Northern Lights Set To Dazzle United States Tonight

Tonight, skywatchers across the northern United States are in for a rare treat: a dazzling display of the northern lights, or aurora borealis, thanks to a powerful geomagnetic storm sweeping across the region. The phenomenon, typically reserved for far northern latitudes, is set to become visible as far south as Alabama and northern California, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The excitement began on Sunday night, January 18, 2026, when a massive X1.9 solar flare erupted from a sunspot facing Earth. This eruption hurled a colossal coronal mass ejection (CME) into space, racing toward our planet at breakneck speeds between 620 and 870 miles per second (1,000–1,400 km/s). When the CME struck Earth at 2:38 p.m. EST (1938 GMT) on January 19, it triggered severe (G4) geomagnetic storm conditions, stirring up Earth’s magnetic field and setting the stage for an extraordinary auroral spectacle, as reported by Space.com.

NOAA confirmed that the storm is ongoing and could continue through the evening, with G4-level conditions still possible. What does this mean for would-be aurora chasers? In short: tonight’s aurora prospects are better than most have seen in years, provided the skies remain clear and the magnetic field orientation stays favorable. The CME’s orientation—specifically its Bz component—will determine just how vibrant and widespread the lights become. If the CME’s magnetic field is oriented southward, it can link up with Earth’s own field, allowing solar energy to stream into our atmosphere and fuel geomagnetic storms. But a northward orientation could mean a more subdued show.

According to NOAA and the SWPC, the Kp index for the storm is predicted to reach 8 out of 9, signaling a strong event. This level of activity is unusual and means auroras could be visible well beyond their typical haunts. The aurora view line tonight stretches across 24 U.S. states, fully or partially, including Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Michigan, New York, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Colorado. Even northern stretches of New Jersey and Missouri, far northeastern Colorado, and northeastern Utah are in the running, according to Forbes and KOIN News.

For Iowans, the opportunity is especially notable. The SWPC’s forecast shows aurora activity reaching Iowa’s northern border, with the viewline dipping into northern Missouri. Northern Iowa is expected to have clear skies around midnight, while central areas like Des Moines will see about 20% sky cover. A cold weather advisory is set to expire at noon, but temperatures will remain frigid: single digits across northern Iowa and around 11 degrees Fahrenheit in Des Moines at midnight, with wind chills plummeting to 3 degrees in Des Moines and 10 below zero in Mason City, as reported by local news outlets. Bundle up if you plan to head outside!

Across the Pacific Northwest, conditions are equally promising. Portland, Oregon, and much of the region have enjoyed clear skies thanks to a persistent high-pressure pattern, which is expected to continue tonight. KOIN News reports that this should allow for excellent aurora viewing opportunities, provided you can escape city lights and find a dark spot with a clear view to the north.

Timing, as always, is crucial. Historically, the best window for aurora viewing is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. For this particular event, activity is expected to pick up around 9 p.m. Central Time on Monday, January 19, and reach its strongest levels around midnight to 4 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, according to the SWPC’s three-day forecast. But with the CME’s shock arrival earlier than anticipated, auroras could appear sooner, so experts recommend keeping an eye on the sky as soon as darkness falls.

So, how can you maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights tonight? NOAA and Space.com offer several tried-and-true tips. First, get as far north as possible within your state and seek out locations far from city lights—think dark fields, parks, or hilltops. The clearer your view of the northern horizon, the better. Give your eyes at least 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness, as this will help you spot even subtle auroral features. And don’t forget to dress warmly—waiting for the perfect moment can be a chilly affair!

For those hoping to capture the moment, modern smartphones are surprisingly capable tools. According to USA TODAY and Forbes, turning off your flash, shooting in RAW format, and enabling night mode (on iPhone) or Pro mode (on Android) are key. A tripod can help stabilize your phone for longer exposures. Members of the Iowa Through The Lens Facebook group recommend a ten-second exposure, and Pete Raine, an Iowan who photographed the aurora in October, noted that while the lights were visible to the naked eye, they appeared far more vibrant through his iPhone camera. “The aurora was visible to my naked eye, but it was much more vibrant through my phone camera,” Raine shared. Several others in the group reported seeing the northern lights across Iowa all week, underscoring the widespread nature of this event.

There’s also an app for that: My Aurora Forecast & Alerts, available on both iPhone and Android, will notify you when northern lights are likely in your area and provide tips for the best viewing. Space Weather Live is another useful app for tracking current space weather conditions in real time.

Of course, nothing is ever guaranteed when it comes to Mother Nature. As Space.com cautions, auroras can be fickle, and the final display depends on variables like the CME’s magnetic orientation and local weather. If the skies stay clear and the magnetic field aligns just right, tonight could be one for the memory books. If not, well, there’s always the next solar storm—though few are as powerful or as far-reaching as this one.

For now, the advice is simple: charge your camera, dress in layers, and find a dark, northern-facing spot. Whether you’re in Iowa braving single-digit temperatures or enjoying clear skies in Oregon, the odds are better than ever for catching one of nature’s most mesmerizing light shows. And if you’re lucky enough to snap a photo, outlets like Space.com invite you to share your images and stories, helping to capture the magic for those who can’t see it themselves.

Tonight, the sky just might put on a show that people across the United States will remember for years to come.