Northern Lights Visible in 15 States This Weekend

This weekend, you don't need a plane ticket to Iceland to see the northern lights.

The aurora borealis will light up skies across 15 states Friday and Saturday nights, according to forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Space Weather Prediction Center. Friday offers the best viewing opportunity, with the light show potentially stretching from Washington all the way to Maine and dipping as far south as Iowa.

The forecast rates Friday's aurora at a 5 out of 9 on the geomagnetic activity scale, meaning the lights should be bright enough for casual stargazers to spot. Saturday night will offer another chance, though conditions may be slightly less vibrant.

For the best experience, head outside between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Face north and find a spot away from city lights and streetlamps. You might see ribbons of green and purple dancing across the darkness.

The full list of lucky states includes Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. NOAA even provides a detailed 30 to 90 minute forecast for aurora enthusiasts who want to time their viewing perfectly.

Why This Inspires

If you feel like you've been hearing about northern lights more often lately, you're not imagining it. The sun is currently at the peak of its 11 year solar cycle, creating more frequent and powerful auroras that reach farther south than usual.

This natural phenomenon connects millions of people across the country to the same breathtaking moment. Whether you're watching from a rural farm in Iowa or a lakeshore in Michigan, you'll be part of a shared experience that transcends borders and brings communities together under the same spectacular sky.

Nature is putting on a free show this weekend, and the best seats in the house are right in your own backyard.