Northern Lights Expected Across Northern U.S. States This Weekend
A G1 geomagnetic storm may make the aurora visible in several northern U.S. states from March 6 to 8, 2026.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm watch for Friday, March 6, 2026, due to a high-speed solar wind. This activity may cause aurora displays to be visible at more southerly latitudes than usual.
NOAA forecasters expect the Planetary K-index (Kp) to reach 4.67 (G1 level) late on Friday, March 6, 2026. At a Kp of 4 to 5, aurora may be seen low on the northern horizon in U.S. states near the Canadian border. The best viewing window is predicted between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM local time, when geomagnetic activity typically peaks.
Under current G1 conditions, residents of the following U.S. states have a good chance of seeing the aurora, provided the skies are clear:
- Alaska
- Washington
- Idaho
- Montana
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- Maine
The aurora, known as the Northern Lights in the Northern Hemisphere, results from interactions between the Sun's charged particles and Earth's magnetic field. The Sun continuously emits a stream of charged particles called the solar wind. During periods of increased solar activity, such as the current phase just past the peak of the 11-year solar cycle, events like coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and coronal holes generate solar storms. When these storms reach Earth, the planet's magnetic field directs the solar particles toward the poles, creating the aurora.
Some of the best times to see aurora displays are around the March and September equinoxes, a phenomenon known as the Russell-McPherron effect. This occurs because Earth's tilt and orbit align the Sun and Earth's polarities in opposite directions, allowing more solar particles to enter Earth's atmosphere and increasing the chances of aurora displays.
For optimal viewing, observers should look northward from a location with minimal light pollution. The best time to see the aurora in North America is generally between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM local time. Although the Moon will be bright during peak aurora time this weekend, it will be in the southern part of the sky and may not significantly affect views to the north.