Northern Lights May Be Visible Across Northern U.S. States Tonight
A minor geomagnetic storm could make the aurora borealis visible in several northern U.S. states on Friday night.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm watch for Friday, March 6, 2026. This event may cause the aurora borealis to be visible in several northern U.S. states.
The aurora, commonly known as the northern lights, occurs when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth's magnetic field, resulting in luminous displays in the sky. The current geomagnetic activity is due to a high-speed solar wind stream impacting Earth's magnetosphere.
NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center forecasts that the Planetary K-index (Kp), a measure of geomagnetic activity, will reach 4.67 (G1 level) late on Friday. At this level, auroras may be visible low on the northern horizon in U.S. states near the Canadian border. The optimal viewing window is between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM local time, when geomagnetic activity typically peaks.
Residents in the following states have a good chance of observing the aurora, provided skies are clear:
- Alaska
- Washington
- Idaho
- Montana
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- Maine
To enhance viewing opportunities, individuals are advised to move away from urban light pollution to darker areas and look toward the northern horizon. While the Moon will be bright during peak aurora times, its position in the southern sky may not significantly affect views to the north.
For real-time updates and forecasts, consult NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center or other reputable space weather resources.