Home / Science / Overnight Aurora Alert: 11 Northern States Could See Northern Lights
Overnight Aurora Alert: 11 Northern States Could See Northern Lights
8 Sep
Summary
- Aurora borealis may be visible in 11 northern US states early Tuesday.
- Incoming solar eruptions could trigger minor G1 geomagnetic storm conditions.
- Clear skies and dark locations are essential for viewing the aurora.
Skywatchers in parts of 11 northern US states may have an overnight opportunity to witness the aurora borealis before dawn on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Several incoming solar eruptions are being monitored by forecasters, with the potential to trigger minor G1 geomagnetic storm conditions.
NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center anticipates geomagnetic activity could reach active to G1 storm levels due to anticipated coronal mass ejection (CME) arrivals. One CME from September 2, 2026, might reach Earth on September 7, 2026, while other CMEs from September 4 and 5, 2026, could interact and impact Earth late on September 7 or early on September 8, 2026.
If G1 conditions develop, auroras could be visible from dark locations across Alaska and parts of North Dakota, Maine, Minnesota, Vermont, Montana, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Clear skies are crucial, and the display's brightness will also depend on the southward orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field.
Further geomagnetic activity is possible into midweek, with a chance of G2 (Moderate) conditions around midnight into September 9, 2026. September often favors aurora activity around the equinoxes. NOAA also forecasts active geomagnetic conditions from September 14 to 16, 2026, and again from September 24 to 26, 2026.
