Northern Lights Visible in 10 States Sunday Night

Nature is offering a free light show this Sunday night, and millions of Americans might get front-row seats.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that the northern lights could dance across the skies of 10 states Sunday evening, creating a spectacular display visible to the naked eye. The aurora borealis will potentially shimmer over Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, and most of Alaska.

Forecasters predict a Kp index of four out of nine, meaning the lights will appear brighter and more active than usual. While no geomagnetic storms are expected, conditions are perfect for aurora viewing at certain times throughout the night.

The best viewing window runs from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., when the lights typically reach peak activity. NOAA experts recommend heading away from city lights and finding a spot with a clear view of the northern sky for the best experience.

The good news for aspiring photographers? You don't need fancy equipment. Your smartphone can capture stunning images of the aurora, according to NOAA experts.

Turn off your flash and shoot in RAW format for the best results. iPhone users should switch to Night mode with the standard lens, while Android users should select Pro mode. A tripod helps stabilize your phone for clearer shots of the overhead display.

The Bright Side

This celestial event offers something increasingly rare: a chance to disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature's wonder. Families across the northern states can step outside together, look up, and witness the same natural phenomenon that has inspired humanity for thousands of years.

The aurora creates a shared moment of awe that crosses state lines and brings communities together under the same spectacular sky. Parents can introduce their children to the magic of solar wind particles colliding with Earth's atmosphere, turning science into something beautiful and memorable.

Sunday night's display proves that some of the world's most breathtaking experiences require nothing more than looking up.