How to Watch the Northern Lights from 15 States Over the Weekend

How to Watch the Northern Lights from 15 States Over the Weekend

The latest aurora activity is a result of a recent solar flare and could intensify if faster solar winds arrive as forecasted

Valerie Mesa

Thu, January 15, 2026 at 8:11 PM UTC

3 min read

NEED TO KNOW

• A solar storm could ignite auroras across up to 15 northern U.S. states late Friday night into early Saturday, according to NOAA forecasters

• Clear, dark skies on Jan. 16 and 17 increase chances of visibility, making even faint auroras easier to spot

• The strongest displays are expected in northern-tier states, with a chance that the glow pushes farther south if geomagnetic activity intensifies

An incoming solar storm could bring the northern lights into view across multiple U.S. states this weekend.

A fresh surge of solar energy is headed toward Earth, and it could spark another round of auroras across parts of the northern United States from Friday night, Jan. 16, into the early hours of Saturday, Jan. 17.

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The aurora borealis (northern lights) is caused by geomagnetic storms, which occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth's atmosphere, creating brilliant waves of light in the sky.

According to a forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center, a minor (G1) geomagnetic storm is expected as charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s magnetic field.

The latest auroral activity is due to a recent solar flare and could intensify if faster solar winds arrive as forecasted.

Remember, catching a glimpse of the northern lights is never guaranteed. In the end, it boils down to weather, minimal light pollution and above all, luck. Here’s everything you need to know about this stellar event.

When will the northern lights be visible?

The best window looks to be late Friday evening (Jan. 16) through early Saturday morning (Jan. 17), with peak activity most likely before sunrise.

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That timing pairs perfectly with a waning crescent moon just days from the new moon on Jan. 18, which means darker skies and higher chances for spotting faint auroras. Space weather is famously unpredictable, so flexibility (and patience) is key.

Where will the northern lights be visible?

If geomagnetic activity stays at G1, auroras may be visible across northern Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota and northern Michigan. But if activity ramps up toward G2 (moderate) levels, the lights could extend farther south into Wisconsin, Washington, and Idaho and possibly into northern Iowa or northern Illinois.

States with the strongest odds overall include Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Maine. In stronger bursts, faint glows may also appear low on the northern horizon in far northern parts of Wyoming, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire.

How to watch the northern lights?

Face north and find the darkest sky you can, away from city lights. Look for soft, pale glows or slow-moving shimmer near the horizon; they won’t always look neon-bright to the naked eye. Give your eyes time to adjust (about 20 minutes without bright screens).

How to take photos of the northern lights?

Spotting the northern lights is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the best part? You don't need a professional camera (or equipment) to capture the moment.All you have to do is turn on Night Mode (iPhone) or Pro Mode (Android). You'll also want to turn off your flash and hold steady — use a tripod if you have one.Shooting with a DSLR? Grab a wide-angle lens and aim for longer exposures to capture the colors and movement.

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