Geomagnetic Storm Brings Chance to See Northern Lights Across 16 States

Residents in northern U.S. states may get a rare glimpse of the aurora borealis this weekend.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:55pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a frozen, snow-covered expanse under a dramatic, swirling sky of vibrant green and purple northern lights, conveying the overwhelming, sublime scale of the natural world.The arrival of a powerful geomagnetic storm promises a rare chance for residents across the northern U.S. to witness the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the aurora borealis.Fairbanks Today

A geomagnetic storm is expected to hit Earth this weekend, creating the potential for residents in 16 northern U.S. states to catch a glimpse of the stunning northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. The storm is being caused by a 'fairly fast coronal mass ejection' from the Sun, which can supercharge the Earth's magnetic field and make the colorful light display visible further south than usual.

Why it matters

Seeing the northern lights is a rare treat for many Americans, as the natural light show is typically only visible in the northernmost parts of the country. This geomagnetic storm provides a unique opportunity for residents across the upper Midwest and Northeast to witness the mesmerizing celestial event.

The details

The geomagnetic storm is expected to peak on Saturday evening, March 31st, 2026. While the northern lights are usually only visible in states like Alaska and northern Minnesota, the storm's intensity could make the aurora borealis visible as far south as Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

  • The geomagnetic storm is expected to peak on Saturday evening, March 31st, 2026.
  • The northern lights are typically only visible in the northernmost U.S. states.

The players

Earth

The planet whose magnetic field will be supercharged by the incoming coronal mass ejection from the Sun, creating the conditions for the northern lights to be visible further south than usual.

Sun

The star that is emitting a 'fairly fast coronal mass ejection', which is the cause of the incoming geomagnetic storm.

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What’s next

Residents in the 16 affected states should check weather forecasts and look to the northern horizon on Saturday evening for a chance to witness the stunning natural light display.

The takeaway

This geomagnetic storm provides a rare opportunity for many Americans to see the mesmerizing northern lights, a celestial event typically reserved for those living in the country's northernmost regions.