Topline
Up to 10 states may get a look at the northern lights Saturday night, according to a forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which predicts mild auroral activity to last through the weekend.
The Northern Lights, formed by the interaction between charged particles from the Sun and the Earth’s magnetic field, are seen in the Backsjon area near the city of Umea in northern Sweden on February 15, 2026.
Photo by Metin Aktas/Anadolu via Getty Images
Key Facts
NOAA issued a Kp index of five for Saturday night, which means for those in the right areas, the aurora can be “quite pleasing” to look at.
Geomagnetic storms capable of enhancing northern lights showings are not forecast for Saturday.
Observers may be able to get another shot at seeing the northern lights Sunday, when the Kp index is expected to drop to four as auroral activity moves farther north.
Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?
The aurora borealis can be seen in areas including northern Washington, the northern tip of Idaho, northern Montana, the northernmost stretch of Wyoming, North Dakota, northern South Dakota, the northern half of Minnesota, the northern tip of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. As usual, much of Alaska will have the highest chance of seeing the northern lights.
Saturday night’s aurora forecast.
NOAA
What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?
Observers should use high vantage points and gaze from places with little to no light pollution. Doing so between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. usually provides the best chances of seeing the northern lights.
What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?
Low apertures, wide-angle lenses and tripods can help snap good photos of the aurora borealis. Those using smartphones should avoid flash and use night mode if possible.
Key Background
The northern lights form when particles from the sun interact with earth’s magnetic field. Solar storms are energy bursts from the sun that can contribute to strong auroral showings, several of which occurred in 2024, when the sun reached the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, marking a 500-year high in auroral activity. The same level of activity is not expected to continue and will decrease the more time passes from the peak of the cycle.
Further Reading
Aurora Dashboard (NOAA)
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