At a Glance
- The northern lights may appear Wednesday night (Jan. 21) across up to 13 northern U.S. states
- Best viewing window is 10 p.m.-2 a.m. local time from a dark, north-facing spot
- Smartphone night mode and a tripod are enough for photos
- Why it matters: Another chance to catch the aurora after this week’s surprise solar storms
The aurora borealis isn’t finished yet. After a week of stronger-than-expected solar and geomagnetic activity that pushed the northern lights far south of their normal range, forecasters say a slimmer-but still real-opportunity arrives Wednesday night.
When and Where to Look
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a Kp index of 4 on the nine-point scale, enough to nudge the lights into the northern tier of the Lower 48. No major geomagnetic storm is forecast, but the recent uptick in solar wind keeps the odds alive.
Prime time falls between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. Canada and Alaska remain the surest bets, yet auroras could sneak into parts of:
- Washington
- Idaho
- Montana
- Wyoming
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Michigan
- Wisconsin
- New York
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Maine
Dark, clear skies and a north-facing horizon away from city lights give the highest success rate.
How to Photograph the Show
Your phone can handle the job. Switch to Night Mode, turn off the flash, and steady the device on a tripod or solid surface. For DSLR or mirrorless users, manual settings and a tripod capture the faint rays as they build.
Patience is the final ingredient; the glow can start faint before brightening.
What Caused This Week’s Surprise
Charged particles from recent solar eruptions collided with Earth’s magnetic field, spawning geomagnetic storms that intensified the aurora. While the storms are now tapering, residual energy keeps the lights on the forecast map.
Quick Viewing Checklist
- Check the local cloud forecast
- Drive to an elevated, rural spot with a clear northern horizon
- Arrive by 10 p.m. and stay until 2 a.m.
- Use red-filtered flashlights to protect night vision
- Dress for sub-freezing temperatures
If clouds block the view tonight, the aurora season still has weeks left, but another widespread southern push is not guaranteed.
