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Oregon Today
By the People, for the People
Nearly One-Third of U.S. May See Aurora Borealis Overnight
NOAA forecasts northern lights could be visible as far south as Illinois and Oregon.
Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:24pm
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An abstract visualization of the solar and atmospheric forces that create the stunning aurora borealis, a rare natural phenomenon now forecast to be visible across much of the United States.Oregon TodayThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted that the aurora borealis, or northern lights, could be visible in as many as 18 states across the northern third of the United States on Friday night. The solar winds hitting Earth at up to 430 miles per second will cause geomagnetic storms that could allow the northern lights to be seen as far south as Illinois and Oregon.
Why it matters
The aurora borealis is a rare and beautiful natural phenomenon that is usually only visible in more northern latitudes. NOAA's forecast that it could be seen in nearly a third of the U.S. is an exciting opportunity for many people to potentially witness this spectacle. The northern lights also provide important information about space weather and can impact essential human technologies like radio communication and GPS.
The details
NOAA can forecast the location and intensity of the aurora borealis within 30 to 90 minutes of the geomagnetic storm. The states most likely to see the northern lights are Alaska, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
- The aurora borealis is expected to be most visible on the night of April 17, 2026.
The players
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
The U.S. government agency that monitors and studies the environment, including space weather and the aurora borealis.
What they’re saying
“Aurora can often be observed somewhere on Earth from just after sunset or just before sunrise.”
— NOAA
“For many people, the aurora is a beautiful nighttime phenomenon that is worth traveling to arctic regions just to observe.”
— NOAA
“It is the only way for most people to actually experience space weather.”
— NOAA
What’s next
NOAA will continue to monitor the solar activity and provide updates on the visibility of the aurora borealis throughout the night.
The takeaway
This rare opportunity for much of the U.S. to witness the aurora borealis highlights the importance of NOAA's space weather monitoring and forecasting capabilities. The northern lights not only provide a stunning natural display, but also offer insights into the complex interactions between the Earth's atmosphere and the Sun's activity.
