Northern Lights Visible in 15 States Sunday Night

The northern lights are putting on a rare show this Sunday night, and you might catch it from home.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts the aurora borealis could light up skies across 15 states Sunday evening. Moderate geomagnetic storms caused by high-speed solar winds are pushing the colorful display farther south than usual.

The light show stems from a coronal hole on the sun, a cooler region that releases faster solar winds. When these winds collide with slower streams, they create a compression region that interacts with Earth's magnetic field. The result is one of nature's most spectacular displays, now visible to millions more Americans.

Most of Washington, Montana, North and South Dakota will have front-row seats. The aurora could also appear across Minnesota, Wisconsin, northern Iowa and Michigan's upper regions. Northern sections of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine might glimpse the show too, along with most of Alaska.

NOAA forecasters rated Sunday's activity at five out of nine on the Kp index, meaning the lights should appear brighter with more movement and formations. The colors could dance across the sky in waves of green, pink and purple, creating photos worth sharing.

Why This Inspires

This celestial event reminds us that some of Earth's most beautiful moments come from forces beyond our control. While we often focus on problems we need to solve, the universe occasionally gifts us something that requires nothing but our attention and wonder.

Viewing the lights takes minimal effort but delivers maximum reward. Head away from city lights between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. for the best views. Find a spot with clear northern skies, and let your eyes adjust to the darkness for about 20 minutes.

Modern smartphones can capture quality aurora photos too. Turn off the flash, shoot in RAW format if possible, and stabilize your phone on a tripod or flat surface. iPhone users should use Night mode, while Android users get better results in Pro mode.

The timing couldn't be better for a nationwide moment of shared awe. Sunday night offers millions of Americans a chance to step outside, look up and witness something truly extraordinary together.