On January 19 and 20, 2026, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a heightened alert for the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis. This event is triggered by a significant geomagnetic storm resulting from an X1.9-class solar flare that occurred on January 18, 2026.
Enhanced Northern Lights Alert for 24 States
According to NOAA’s forecast, up to 24 U.S. states could witness the Northern Lights during this period. Areas likely to experience this phenomenon range from Canada down to mid-latitude states.
States Likely to See the Aurora
- Alaska
- Washington (northern parts)
- Idaho
- Montana
- Wyoming
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- New York
- Maine
- Oregon
- Nebraska
- Iowa
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
Understanding the Impact of the Solar Flare
The solar flare released a coronal mass ejection (CME), which is a cloud of charged particles directed toward Earth. NOAA predicts the CME could arrive on January 19 or 20, resulting in a G3 or possibly a G4 geomagnetic storm.
This storm could increase visibility of the Northern Lights, particularly because January 18 coincided with a new moon, leading to darker night skies ideal for aurora viewing.
Forecast for Geomagnetic Activity
NOAA’s Kp index is expected to reach up to 8 on a scale of 0 to 9, indicating significant auroral activity. States further north generally have better chances for visibility, but southern states could also see the lights under certain conditions.
How to Capture the Northern Lights
If you aim to photograph the Northern Lights, find a location with minimal light pollution. Utilize tools such as the Dark Sky Place Finder to identify suitable spots.
Photography Tips
- Use Night Mode or Pro Mode on your smartphone.
- Keep the camera steady by using a tripod.
- Focus on capturing the main camera lens for better clarity.
Why Do the Northern Lights Occur?
The vibrant auroras are a result of charged particles from the solar wind colliding with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, such as oxygen and nitrogen. These collisions cause the gases to emit energy in the form of light.
As we move further into 2026, more auroral events are expected due to the sun’s ongoing activity cycle, which reached a peak in late 2024. Enthusiasts and observers should prepare for an exciting display of nature’s beauty in the coming months.
