Where and How to See the Northern Lights in the U.S. This Week Amid Solar Storm Activity
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are set to dazzle the night sky across parts of the United States this week—just in time for Valentine’s Day! 🌌✨
This spectacular light show occurs when charged particles from the Sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere, producing vibrant ribbons of green, pink, and even purple light that dance across the sky. The Northern Lights have fascinated people for centuries, inspiring myths, folklore, and even scientific discoveries. While this phenomenon is often associated with Arctic regions, a strong solar event could bring the Northern Lights further south than usual, giving some lucky Americans a chance to witness this celestial wonder.
A Solar Event Confirmed: What’s Causing the Northern Lights This Week?
The Sun is constantly sending charged particles into space in what’s known as the solar wind. However, sometimes the Sun releases strong bursts of energy, leading to increased solar activity and more intense auroras. These bursts, known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), can increase the chances of seeing the Northern Lights much further from the poles.
According to SpaceWeather.com, a high-speed solar wind stream is currently heading toward Earth, originating from a canyon-like hole in the Sun’s atmosphere. This influx of solar particles is expected to create a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
A G1 storm is the weakest type of geomagnetic storm, but it is still powerful enough to disrupt satellite communications, cause minor power grid fluctuations, and—most excitingly—create visible auroras in regions where they are typically rare. If the storm intensifies, the auroras could extend even farther south, potentially reaching states that rarely get to experience them.
This means that between Thursday, February 13, and Friday, February 14, increased solar activity could illuminate the night skies with breath taking displays of the Aurora Borealis. For those looking for a romantic and awe-inspiring Valentine’s date, a Northern Lights sighting might just be the perfect experience. Imagine standing under the stars with a loved one, watching vibrant colors swirl above—it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Where Can You See the Northern Lights in the U.S. This Week?
Typically, the Northern Lights are only visible from high-latitude regions such as Alaska, Canada, and parts of Scandinavia. However, due to the intensity of this solar storm, some northern U.S. states may have a chance to see them as well. Even if you live in a state where auroras are uncommon, it’s still worth keeping an eye on the sky, as unexpected solar activity can sometimes extend their reach beyond forecasted areas.
Prime Viewing Locations in the U.S.:
✔ Alaska – One of the best places to see the Northern Lights year-round. Cities like Fairbanks and Anchorage often experience dazzling displays. Due to its high latitude and minimal light pollution, Alaska provides some of the clearest and most frequent auroras in North America. If you’re lucky enough to be there during a solar storm, the sky could be filled with dancing green and purple hues.
✔ Northern Michigan – If skies are clear, areas like Mackinaw City, Marquette, and Sleeping Bear Dunes could see some auroral activity. Northern Michigan’s location along the shores of Lake Superior provides dark, open skies that enhance visibility. Plus, winter conditions create a dramatic backdrop for the shimmering lights.
✔ Maine – A fantastic location for aurora viewing. Areas like Acadia National Park and Aroostook County offer dark skies perfect for spotting the Northern Lights. Maine’s wilderness, with its vast forests and clear, cold nights, makes it an ideal viewing destination.
✔ Minnesota – Northern parts of the state, including Voyageurs National Park, have great potential for sightings. The park’s designation as a Dark Sky Park ensures that there’s minimal light pollution, making auroras appear even more vibrant.
✔ North Dakota & Montana – Remote areas with minimal light pollution make these states prime candidates for viewing. In particular, Glacier National Park in Montana and Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota are excellent spots for catching a glimpse of the aurora.
Other Possible Sightings:
Depending on the strength of the geomagnetic storm, some lucky stargazers in states like Wisconsin, New York, Vermont, and South Dakota may also catch a glimpse of the aurora. In rare cases, exceptionally strong storms can even make the Northern Lights visible as far south as Kansas or Missouri!
For the latest updates, check the NOAA Aurora Forecast to see real-time predictions for your area.
How to Increase Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights
Seeing the Aurora Borealis isn’t just about location—it’s also about timing, weather, and preparation. Here are some expert tips to maximize your chances of witnessing this natural wonder:
1. Head Away from City Lights
Light pollution from urban areas can drown out the Northern Lights. For the best experience, travel to dark sky parks, rural areas, or open fields where artificial lights won’t interfere.
2. Check the Weather & Aurora Forecast
Cloudy skies can ruin visibility. Keep an eye on your local weather forecast and use an aurora tracking app such as:
- Aurora Forecast (Android & iOS)
- Space Weather Live
- NOAA’s Aurora Dashboard
Capturing the Northern Lights on Your Phone or Camera 📸
Want to snap a stunning photo of the aurora? You don’t need a professional DSLR camera to do it! Here’s how to get the best shots using just your smartphone:
1. Enable Night Mode
Most modern smartphones, like the iPhone 11 and later, have a Night Mode feature that enhances low-light photography. If Night Mode doesn’t activate automatically, you can turn it on manually in your camera settings.
2. Adjust Exposure Time
Longer exposure settings allow more light to be captured, making the aurora appear brighter. Set the exposure to 10–30 seconds for optimal results.
3. Use a Tripod or Steady Surface
Holding your phone by hand can result in blurry images due to long exposure times. A tripod (or even propping your phone against a stable object) will help you take crystal-clear photos.
For more advanced photography tips, check out NASA’s guide to photographing the aurora.
Final Thoughts: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights, this week might be your chance! With a geomagnetic storm creating prime conditions, those in northern U.S. states should keep an eye on the skies. The Aurora Borealis is one of the most breathtaking natural phenomena on Earth, and every sighting is unique. Whether it’s a faint green glow on the horizon or a dazzling explosion of color across the sky, witnessing the aurora is a memory that lasts a lifetime.
Many people travel across the world to places like Iceland, Norway, or Canada just to catch a glimpse of this phenomenon, but this time, you may not have to go far. If you are lucky enough to see the Northern Lights from your own backyard, consider it a rare and special experience. Even if the display isn’t as intense as in the Arctic Circle, the sheer thrill of watching the sky shimmer and dance is something magical.
📅 Mark your calendar for February 13–14, bundle up, and head to a dark, open area for the best possible view. Remember, patience is key—the aurora can be unpredictable, and conditions may change quickly. Keep checking aurora forecasts, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t see them immediately. If you manage to witness this celestial show, don’t forget to capture the moment and share it with friends and family.
Have you ever seen the Northern Lights? Let us know in the comments below and share your photos! ✨📸
For live aurora tracking and updates, visit:
🔗 NOAA’s Aurora Dashboard
🔗 Space Weather Live
Have you ever seen the Northern Lights? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️
Featured Image Credit: Hasan Akbas/Anadolu via Getty Images
