Northern Lights Visible in Northern US States January 16-17

Skywatchers across northern United States states have a promising opportunity to view the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, on the evening of January 16 through the early morning of January 17, 2026. The display, triggered by incoming solar wind interacting with Earth's magnetic field, could illuminate skies in at least 15 states, according to forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center.

The aurora results from charged particles from the sun colliding with gases in Earth's upper atmosphere, producing colorful lights primarily around the magnetic poles. This event stems from a high-speed stream of solar wind originating from a large coronal hole on the sun's surface, following an M1.6-rated solar flare on January 14. As these particles reach Earth, they energize oxygen and nitrogen molecules, releasing energy as shimmering greens, reds, and other hues. Oxygen at about 60 miles altitude typically creates green light, while higher excitations around 100 to 200 miles can yield rarer red displays.

Forecasters anticipate minor G1-level geomagnetic storm conditions, with a chance of brief moderate G2 spikes persisting through...