Topline
A strong geomagnetic storm expected early Tuesday evening could make the northern lights visible in 18 states overnight, one day after a powerful solar coronal mass ejection.
A stargazer views aurora borealis in Guilliguy, western France on Jan. 19, 2026.
AFP via Getty Images
Key Facts
NOAA predicts a strong geomagnetic storm—caused by solar activity disruptions in Earth’s upper atmosphere—on Tuesday and a minor storm on Wednesday.
NOAA forecast a Kp index, which measures global geomagnetic activity, at a high of 6 on Tuesday before falling through Thursday.
Forecasters also observed a minor solar radiation storm, which can cause the lights to stretch further from the poles, on Tuesday.
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Where Can The Northern Lights Be Seen Tuesday Night?
Canada and Alaska have the highest likelihood of viewing the northern lights, but NOAA’s predicted “view line” for Tuesday dips into the lower 48. All of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota might have a chance to see the northern lights, according to the forecast, along with essentially all of Washington, Michigan, Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. Northern and Western New York may also see the aurora, NOAA predicts, along with northern portions of Iowa, Idaho and Wyoming. Far northern Illinois, the northernmost stretch of Nebraska and far northeastern Oregon are also forecast to have potential of catching the northern lights (see graphic below).
Tuesday’s aurora forecast.
NOAA
What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?
NOAA recommends getting as far away from light pollution as possible and finding the highest possible vantage point. The lights are best viewed while facing north, usually between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.
What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?
When using a smartphone, NOAA suggests turning off flash and enabling night mode. A tripod can help stabilize the image. With a separate camera, it’s best to use a wide-angle lens, an aperture or F-stop of four or less and a focus set to the furthest possible setting, photography experts told National Geographic.
Key Background
The aurora borealis is still benefiting from activity on the sun’s surface reaching a “solar maximum” in October 2024, scientists say, making the northern lights more visible than usual. The increased frequency of solar events is likely to start tapering off at the end of this year and into next as the sun’s 11-year cycle continues, heading toward “solar minimum” around 2031 and 2032. Other astronomical events expected this year include a “planetary parade” that will see Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Jupiter appear in the night sky in late February and a total lunar eclipse will be visible in North America in March.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2026/01/20/northern-lights-update-18-states-could-see-aurora-borealis-tuesday/
