NOAA Forecasts Northern Lights Across 10 States Monday Night

Skywatchers across the northern United States could see the northern lights Monday night, October 12, 2026, as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts increased auroral activity following a strong geomagnetic storm on Saturday. The forecast identifies parts of 10 states where atmospheric conditions could make the aurora borealis visible. NOAA predicts a Kp index of five out of nine for Monday night, indicating that the aurora could appear brighter and more active than usual in some northern areas.

The forecast does not anticipate a geomagnetic storm Monday night, although mild geomagnetic activity could develop early Tuesday morning. NOAA's three-day forecast identifies possible G1-level activity, classified as mild on its five-level geomagnetic storm scale, for early Tuesday. Earth experienced G3 conditions, classified as strong, on Saturday night, when heightened geomagnetic activity increased the potential for auroral displays.

According to NOAA's forecast map, the northern lights could appear along portions of the US-Canada border. Potential viewing areas include northern Washington, northern Idaho, most of Montana, nearly all of North Dakota, much of Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula, along with far northern sections of South Dakota and Wyoming.

Alaska has a high likelihood of seeing the aurora across most of the state, according to NOAA. Visibility will depend on local viewing conditions and the extent of auroral activity. NOAA recommends traveling as far north as possible and finding a location with an unobstructed view of the northern sky. Areas away from cities and other sources of artificial light offer better viewing conditions because darkness makes the aurora easier to see.

The hours before and after midnight are generally the best viewing periods, according to NOAA experts. Nights without a full moon can also provide darker skies, improving visibility of the aurora borealis. Geomagnetic activity also tends to increase around the spring and autumnal equinoxes, which occur in March and September, respectively. These seasonal patterns can influence opportunities to observe the northern lights.

Smartphones can capture photographs of the aurora when users apply appropriate camera settings, according to a photographer interviewed by National Geographic. Recommended techniques include using night mode, disabling the flash, and capturing images in RAW format to preserve more image data.