Rare Northern Lights Set To Illuminate U S Skies

Skywatchers across the northern United States are in for a rare treat this week, as a surge in solar activity could bring the mesmerizing aurora borealis—better known as the Northern Lights—farther south than usual. Thanks to a series of powerful solar flares earlier this month, residents from Alaska to Maine, and as far south as Northern Illinois and Seattle, may catch a glimpse of shimmering colors dancing across the night sky.

It all began on February 1 and 2, 2026, when the sun unleashed a volley of energetic outbursts. According to NASA and reported by Tempo.co, these included four X-class solar flares—the most intense kind—peaking at 7:33 a.m. ET, 6:37 p.m. ET, and 7:36 p.m. ET on February 1, followed by another major event at 3:14 a.m. ET on February 2. In addition, an astonishing 24 M-class flares erupted within a single 24-hour window. This burst of solar fury was driven by a rapidly developing sunspot, Active Region 4366, which has been the main culprit behind the sun’s heightened activity in recent days.

Solar flares are essentially massive explosions on the sun’s surface, sending clouds of charged particles—known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs)—hurtling toward Earth. When these particles reach our planet’s magnetic field, they can trigger geomagnetic storms that light up the sky near the poles. But when the storms are strong enough, as they are this week, that glow can push much farther south, making the Northern Lights visible in places that rarely see them. As Forbes noted, these recent flares are among the strongest seen so far this year, raising hopes for a spectacular aurora show.

Space weather experts and agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have been closely monitoring the situation. On February 4, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center observed an R3 (Strong) solar flare, which was powerful enough to cause radio blackouts and other communication disturbances. While a geomagnetic storm warning hadn’t yet been issued at that point, the conditions were ripe for auroral displays, especially as the CMEs were expected to reach Earth around Thursday, February 5, 2026.

Where exactly will the Northern Lights be visible? Forecasts remain somewhat uncertain, but the odds are better than they’ve been in years. According to People and NOAA’s Aurora Forecast, the aurora could be visible not only in high-latitude regions but also in 11 U.S. states: Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine. There’s even a chance that the glow could dip as far south as Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, areas where such displays are a true rarity. The University of Alaska Fairbanks echoed these predictions, stating that "highly active auroral displays may be visible overhead" in Canadian cities like Yellowknife, Iqaluit, and Winnipeg, and "visible low on the horizon from Seattle, Des Moines, Chicago, Cleveland, Boston, and Halifax."

So, what’s the best way to catch the aurora if you’re lucky enough to be in the right spot? Experts recommend heading out after 9 p.m., with the prime viewing window stretching from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. local time. The key is to find a dark, open area with a clear view to the north—far away from city lights. As Townsquare Media points out, “cornfields beat cul-de-sacs every time.” Even if you don’t see the blazing ribbons often photographed in Alaska, a faint green or reddish glow low on the horizon could signal the aurora’s presence. And here’s a pro tip: your smartphone’s night mode or a long-exposure camera shot might reveal colors and structures invisible to the naked eye.

Of course, the weather plays a crucial role. Clear skies are essential for aurora spotting, so checking your local forecast is a must. In Metro Vancouver, for example, Environment Canada meteorologist Bobby Sekhon noted that a strong ridge of high pressure was building, promising dry, clear nights and temperatures around 14°C during the day and 5°C at night—ideal conditions for skywatchers hoping for a glimpse of the lights.

This isn’t the first time in recent months that heightened solar activity has brought the Northern Lights southward. On January 19, 2026, a G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm allowed residents of the Lower Mainland and other typically aurora-free areas to witness jewel-toned displays overhead. As MyNorthwest reported, the last G4 storm pushed the aurora much farther south than normal, and this week’s activity could do the same.

The science behind the spectacle is as fascinating as the show itself. The Northern Lights emerge from the interaction between solar wind charged particles and Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. When these particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms high above the planet, they emit light—sometimes green, sometimes red or purple—creating the aurora’s signature glow. According to ABC News, “the northern lights occur when energy from solar flares interacts with atoms and molecules in Earth’s atmosphere, creating a glowing spectrum of dancing lights across the night sky.”

But will everyone in these states actually see the lights? That’s still up in the air. The intensity of the geomagnetic storm, the timing of the CME’s arrival, cloud cover, and light pollution all play a part. As Townsquare Media cautions, “Will we definitely see them this time? That depends on several factors like cloud cover, light pollution, how strong the geomagnetic storm actually gets, etc. But with historic solar activity right now, the odds of a visible show this week are better than they’ve been in a long while.”

For those hoping to catch the aurora, patience and a bit of luck are required. And if you miss out this time, don’t be too disappointed—the sun is currently at its solar maximum, the peak of its roughly 11-year activity cycle, meaning more geomagnetic storms and auroral displays could be on the horizon in the months ahead.

Whether you’re a seasoned skywatcher or a first-time aurora hunter, this week’s solar fireworks offer a reminder of the universe’s unpredictable beauty—and a chance to look up and be dazzled by nature’s own light show.