Rare Northern Lights To Illuminate U.S. Skies Tonight

Skywatchers across the United States are in for a rare celestial treat as a powerful solar eruption sets the stage for the northern lights—also known as the aurora borealis—to dance across skies far south of their usual haunts. On January 18, 2026, the sun unleashed a dramatic solar flare, sending a surge of charged particles, or a coronal mass ejection (CME), hurtling toward Earth. This event, experts say, could produce one of the most widespread and dazzling auroral displays in recent memory, with the phenomenon visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center, this solar outburst has prompted a rare G4 (severe) geomagnetic storm watch for the night of January 19, 2026. That’s a level 4 out of 5 on NOAA’s space weather scale, signaling highly elevated geomagnetic activity. The CME is expected to reach Earth late Monday night or in the early hours of Tuesday, January 20, 2026, setting off a spectacular light show in areas unaccustomed to such sights.

“Forecasters have a fair measure of confidence in timing and of CME arrival at Earth,” the NOAA NWS Space Weather Prediction Center team said in a statement reported by MLive. The blast, described by EarthSky as a "full-halo CME"—meaning it was fired directly at Earth—has all the hallmarks of a classic aurora-generating event. Once the plasma cloud reaches Earth, it’s anticipated to trigger geomagnetic storms and vibrant auroras, especially in the hours just after midnight.

The list of states with front-row seats is impressive. According to the Houston Chronicle, the best odds for viewing are in northern and mid-latitude states: Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, and Maine. But if the storm intensifies, experts say the spectacle could extend to Oregon, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Even residents in Alabama and Northern California may catch a glimpse if conditions are just right, as reported by AccuWeather.

For Massachusetts, the aurora could be visible with peak conditions between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. on January 20, 2026, according to local forecasts. The further north you live, the better your chances, but this is one of those rare nights when the phenomenon may delight even those in the mid-latitudes. In Michigan and the Great Lakes region, the event coincides with a winter storm, but meteorologists predict clear skies overnight could offer prime viewing opportunities.

Of course, catching the northern lights isn’t just a matter of looking up. As meteorologist Tony Laubach explained to AccuWeather, “the northern lights can be stunning in person but tricky to capture on camera.” He recommends using a smartphone with manual settings, finding a dark area away from city lights, and ensuring you have a wide, unobstructed view of the sky. Most importantly, bundle up—temperatures are forecast to drop below freezing across much of the country, with some areas in the Midwest, Dakotas, and Nebraska experiencing lows below zero. Wind chills could reach as low as -20°F in some places, making frostbite a real risk for unprepared skywatchers, as highlighted by MLive.

Cloud cover could be the biggest wild card. The best viewing conditions, according to AccuWeather, are expected in parts of the Ohio Valley, Kansas, Nebraska, and most areas west of the Rocky Mountains. Farther north, the aurora may stretch high overhead, while in southern states, it could appear as a faint green glow near the horizon. For many, the light show may be fleeting—a one-night event that could linger into Tuesday night only in Canada and the far northern U.S.

Behind this celestial spectacle is the science of space weather. The CME, a massive bubble of solar plasma and magnetic field, was ejected from sunspot 4341 on January 18, 2026. As these charged particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, they energize atmospheric gases, creating the shimmering curtains of color we know as the aurora. NOAA’s severe geomagnetic storm watch is not just for show; it reflects the potential for both beautiful sights and real-world impacts.

The solar flare responsible for this event also sparked the strongest radiation storm since October 2003. According to NOAA, such storms can increase radiation exposure for astronauts aboard the International Space Station and for passengers and crew on flights taking polar routes. While the average person on the ground faces little risk, space agencies and airlines will be keeping a close eye on conditions.

Forecasting the aurora is a blend of art and science. Short-term forecasts—15 to 45 minutes out—are most accurate, using satellites stationed about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth to monitor the solar wind and magnetic field. Medium-range predictions, like those for this event, are based on tracking CMEs and coronal holes but are less reliable, as these solar phenomena can change speed and direction on their journey to Earth. Over the longer term, scientists look to the Sun’s roughly 27-day rotation to anticipate when sunspots and active regions might again face our planet, increasing the odds of another show.

For those hoping to witness the aurora, experts recommend patience and preparation. Find a spot far from city lights, give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness, and keep your camera handy. The best chance to see the lights in Massachusetts, for example, is between 1 and 4 a.m., but the window could shift depending on when the CME arrives. And remember, as the Houston Chronicle notes, even in the best conditions, auroras can be subtle—sometimes just a faint glow on the horizon. Cameras, with their ability to capture long exposures, may reveal colors invisible to the naked eye.

NOAA will continue to monitor the storm’s progress and recommends following live forecasts for updates. For those unable to brave the cold or unlucky with cloud cover, organizations like Explore.org offer live streams of the aurora from locations across the globe.

This geomagnetic storm is a reminder of the Sun’s power and unpredictability. While the northern lights are a gift to skywatchers, they also highlight the need for vigilance in monitoring space weather—a force that can touch everything from our power grids to the safety of astronauts in orbit. For one night, however, Americans from coast to coast have a chance to look up and witness one of nature’s most breathtaking displays.