Aurora alert: Full list of states that will see the northern lights this week. Best time to watch and weather update

Skywatchers in the US may see northern lights this week due to increased solar activity

Updated on: Jan 3, 2026, 13:23:50 IST

By Prakriti Deb

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Skywatchers in parts of the United States may get a chance to see the northern lights this week. Increased solar activity has raised the chances of auroras appearing farther south than usual.

Forecasters warn that auroras are unpredictable. Conditions could strengthen and push the lights farther south. (Brian Owens via REUTERS)

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center, a burst of solar material from the sun is expected to reach Earth late Jan 2 or early Jan. 3. This solar event, known as a coronal mass ejection, could trigger minor to moderate geomagnetic storms.

Such storms improve the odds of seeing the aurora borealis in the northern US. Still, visibility will depend on cloud cover, darkness and how strong the storm becomes.

Space reported that the latest NOAA forecast places several states near or above the aurora “view line,” meaning sightings are possible.

Also Read: Chicago Area sees Northern Lights due to powerful geomagnetic storm: Visibility, cause, and more

Which US states could see the northern lights

Based on NOAA forecast maps, auroras may be visible this week in parts of the following states:

Alaska
Washington
Oregon
Idaho
Montana
Wyoming
North Dakota
South Dakota
Nebraska
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Michigan
Iowa
Illinois
New York
Maine
Vermont
New Hampshire

Forecasters warn that auroras are unpredictable. Conditions could strengthen and push the lights farther south.

They could also weaken, limiting visibility.

Best time to watch the sky

NOAA says the best time to look for the northern lights is between 10 pm and 2 am local time. During geomagnetic storms, auroras can also appear earlier in the evening.

Space reported that minor storm conditions are possible earlier at night. Moderate storm activity may follow closer to midnight and into early morning hours.

Tips to improve your chances of seeing the aurora

Experts cited by Forbes and Space suggest a few simple steps:

Find a dark area away from city lights
Face north with a clear view of the horizon
Let your eyes adjust to darkness for at least 30 minutes
Use your phone camera to spot faint auroras
Photography experts also recommend using night mode or manual settings and keeping the camera steady.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Prakriti Deb
Prakriti Deb is a journalist at Hindustan Times Digital, where she is part of the US Desk. She works on stories related to American politics, crime, sports, entertainment and weather. She particularly enjoys covering political developments that have global ripples. Through her work, she aims to break down complex events in a way that feels simple and understandable. Before joining the Hindustan Times, she worked with The Indian Express Digital, where she covered world affairs. She holds a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication with a specialisation in Journalism, along with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Outside the newsroom, Prakriti enjoys travelling and stepping out of her comfort zone. She finds her sense of being through storytelling in all its forms, including conversations, painting, theatre, dance and photography. She appreciates discussions that challenge her perspective and help her see the world a little differently.Read More

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.