On the night of January 8, 2026, skywatchers across the northern United States were treated to a rare and breathtaking spectacle as the aurora borealis made an appearance across up to 15 states. This stunning natural event, which occurs when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere, created the green and red hues typically seen in higher latitudes such as Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia. The aurora, the result of a G1-level geomagnetic storm, was triggered by heightened solar activity, and the display was visible from many northern rural regions across the U.S.
The geomagnetic storm, which was classified as a G1-level event, is a relatively minor storm on the scale of geomagnetic activity, but it was powerful enough to produce a visible aurora that stretched across a wide range of states. The event created an opportunity for skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring displays, as the Northern Lights painted the skies in vivid colors of green, red, and purple.
Meteorologists advised that the best viewing conditions would be found away from the bright lights of cities. For those living in northern rural areas—such as parts of Washington, Montana, Minnesota, New York, and Maine—the best time to view the aurora was between late evening and early morning, when the skies were darkest and the lights were most visible. These regions, far from city lights and light pollution, offered the ideal conditions for witnessing the aurora’s full splendor.
For those eager to capture the event through photography, experts recommended using night-mode settings on smartphones or cameras to get the best shot of the ethereal lights. Even with the simplest devices, the right conditions could allow the aurora to be captured in all its beauty. Photography experts also suggested using tripods for steadiness, particularly for long exposure shots, as the aurora’s glow is best captured with slower shutter speeds.
This occurrence of the aurora borealis over the U.S. was especially noteworthy because these displays are typically confined to higher latitudes. Seeing the Northern Lights in the northern states is a rare treat, and it generated excitement for both seasoned astronomy enthusiasts and those new to the wonders of the natural world. The increased solar activity that caused this geomagnetic storm and the aurora borealis display is a reminder of the complex and dynamic relationship between the Earth and the Sun, highlighting the beauty and unpredictability of our planet’s interaction with space weather.
The Northern Lights, with their colorful ribbons dancing across the sky, are more than just a visual spectacle; they are a reminder of the power and mystery of the cosmos. As the aurora faded away in the early morning hours, it left behind memories of a rare, magical event that captivated thousands of people across the country.
