Aurora Alert: Skywatchers Prepare for Spectacular Display Across U.S. 

Skywatchers across the northern U.S. got a treat last night, as a minor geomagnetic storm has paint the night sky with vibrant northern lights.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted that auroras could be visible in more than a dozen states, including Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Some northernmost regions may even catch additional displays into this Tuesday night.

“This week’s combination of a dark early-morning sky and a minor geomagnetic storm makes for ideal viewing conditions,” NOAA officials said.

The moon, rising in the early morning hours, left the sky darker than usual, enhancing the vivid streaks of pink, green, and purple that characterize the aurora borealis.

The northern lights occur when solar particles collide with atoms and molecules in Earth’s upper atmosphere, producing glowing waves of color. The current surge in aurora activity comes as the sun continues its solar maximum phase, a peak in sunspot and magnetic activity expected to continue into 2026.

For optimal viewing, NOAA recommends heading away from city lights between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Even if the display is faint to the naked eye, smartphones and digital cameras can capture the dazzling colors, thanks to their enhanced sensitivity.

Aurora enthusiasts can also sign up for real-time alerts through the citizen science platform Aurorasaurus, which tracks sightings reported by users across the country.

Whether you’re chasing your first aurora or a seasoned observer, tonight’s sky promises a rare spectacle of natural light.