NEW YORK, July 24, 2026 — A powerful geomagnetic storm is set to ignite the northern lights across a swath of the United States and Canada tonight. The event, driven by a coronal mass ejection from the sun, is generating rare visibility as far south as 18 U.S. states. This is not a routine display.
The surge is caused by solar wind activity expected to push the Kp index—a measure of geomagnetic disturbance—to 7 or higher on a 9-point scale. Forbes reports that nine states may see the aurora directly overhead. People magazine expands that window to 18 states for faint visibility on the northern horizon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a G2-level storm watch for July 23-24.
Which states can see it? Forbes identifies Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, and Maine. The broader 18-state list, per People, adds Oregon, Idaho, South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire. In Canada, provinces from Alberta through Quebec—including Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario—have high probability. Best viewing times: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. local time. Look north.
How to watch. Get away from city lights. Check local cloud cover via NOAA’s forecast. Use a smartphone camera in night mode to capture faint aurora—the sensor is more sensitive than the human eye. Be patient. Dark skies are key. The display may last for hours, but intensity varies.
Miss tonight? This is part of a peak solar cycle. NOAA predicts additional geomagnetic storms through late July and August 2026. Download apps like “Aurora Forecast” or follow NOAA’s real-time alerts. The event is not a one-off.
Social media is already buzzing. On X (Twitter), the hashtag #Aurora2026 is trending. Facebook groups like “Aurora Borealis Notifications” are sharing real-time photos. Community reports enhance the experience. To photograph safely, hold your phone steady or use a tripod. Avoid flash.
Your checklist: Check the Kp index. Find a dark spot. Look north. Be ready between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Don’t just read about it—step outside and look up.
| State/Province | Visibility Probability | Best Viewing Window (Local) |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | High | 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. |
| Montana | High | 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. |
| North Dakota | High | 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. |
| Minnesota | High | 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. |
| Wisconsin | Moderate | 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. |
| Michigan | Moderate | 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. |
| New York | Moderate | 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. |
| Vermont | High | 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. |
| Maine | High | 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. |
| Alberta (Canada) | High | 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. |
| Quebec (Canada) | High | 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. |
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Which U.S. states can see the northern lights tonight?
- A: Forbes reports nine states (Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, Maine) may see it overhead; People adds nine more (Oregon, Idaho, South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire) for faint visibility on the northern horizon.
- Q: What is the best time to view the northern lights?
- A: The optimal viewing window is 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. local time. Look north, away from city lights, and check local cloud cover via NOAA’s forecast for clear skies.
- Q: How can I capture the aurora with my phone?
- A: Use night mode on your smartphone camera—the sensor is more sensitive than the human eye. Set up on a tripod or steady surface, be patient, and the display may last for hours with varying intensity.
Extended Reading
Forbes and People reports confirm the July 24, 2026 event. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center provides real-time Kp index data. The HA Viewpoint database notes no proprietary technology impacts this natural phenomenon. No patents or projects are involved. The aurora is a solar-driven event, not a commercial product.