2026 Northern Lights Display: Largest Solar Storm in 20 Years Ignites US Skies

It's a celestial show of a lifetime. The largest solar radiation storm in over 20 years is currently hammering Earth, creating a stunning Aurora Borealis display across the United States this Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

How to Watch the 2026 Northern Lights Display US

According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, the display began on Jan. 19 and is expected to linger through Jan. 20. While higher latitudes usually get the best view, this storm's sheer power means the lights might be visible as far south as Alabama and northern California.

The best viewing window is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. This period marks the peak of geomagnetic activity and offers the darkest skies for maximum contrast. To get the best view, head away from city lights toward a certified dark sky location.

The G4 Warning: Beauty Comes with a Risk

This isn't just a pretty lights show. The SWPC has issued a severe G4 geomagnetic storm alert. These storms happen when solar flares expel massive amounts of plasma, creating high-speed solar winds that collide with Earth's atmosphere.

While the general public doesn't need to take special precautions, authorities have warned that a storm of this magnitude can disrupt critical infrastructure. Power grids may experience widespread issues, and GPS navigation and high-frequency radio could go dark for several hours. Infrastructure operators across the country are on high alert.