A geomagnetic storm may make the northern lights visible across up to 20 northern U.S. states this weekend [1].
This event allows residents in regions typically too far south to see the aurora borealis to witness the phenomenon. The visibility of the lights depends on the intensity of the solar storm and local cloud cover.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) is monitoring the activity [5]. The phenomenon is driven by a fast-moving solar wind stream that triggers a geomagnetic storm [1, 6].
Reports on the timing and scale of the event vary. Some forecasts indicate the visibility window occurs Saturday night, April 18, 2026, into Sunday, April 19, 2026 [1]. Other reports suggest the window began Friday night, April 17, 2026, and extends into Saturday morning [6].
There is also a range of estimates regarding how many states will see the display. While some sources said up to 20 states may see the aurora [1, 2], others estimate the number at 15 [3] or 10 states [4].
The intensity of the storm is also subject to differing reports. Some data classifies the event as a G1 minor storm [1], while other sources describe it as a G2 moderate storm [6]. These classifications determine how far south the lights may travel, potentially reaching states such as New York, Michigan, Maine, and Washington [3].
Observers are encouraged to look toward the northern horizon in areas with minimal light pollution to increase their chances of spotting the lights [3].
“A geomagnetic storm may make the northern lights visible across up to 20 northern U.S. states this weekend.”
The variance in state counts and storm classifications (G1 vs G2) reflects the inherent unpredictability of space weather. While the SWPC provides the baseline data, the actual visibility of the aurora is determined by the real-time interaction between solar wind and Earth's magnetic field, meaning the '20-state' estimate is a maximum potential rather than a guarantee.
