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A celestial display is possible this Valentine’s Day weekend, as a minor geomagnetic storm is forecast to bring the northern lights—also known as the aurora borealis—to unusually southern latitudes across the United States. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (SWPC) Space Weather Prediction Center predicts the best viewing opportunities will be late Sunday night, February 15, 2026, though auroras may be visible as early as Friday, February 14.
This potential light show is being driven by a combination of a coronal mass ejection (CME) and high-speed solar wind, originating from a 400,000-mile solar hole on the sun, according to reports. The interaction of these solar phenomena with Earth’s magnetic field is what creates the aurora. While typically visible in high-latitude regions like Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia, this G1 geomagnetic storm—the lowest level on the storm scale—could push the aurora view line further south.
Where Could the Northern Lights Be Seen?
The SWPC forecasts that auroras could be visible in up to 12 states, including Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, and Maine. The current forecasted aurora view line indicates the southernmost extent of potential visibility. The Kp index, a measure of geomagnetic activity, is expected to peak at 4.67 on a scale of 9, with higher numbers indicating a greater chance of seeing the lights at lower latitudes.
While a G1 storm is considered minor, it’s enough to potentially make the aurora visible in areas where it’s rarely seen. According to Space.com, a surprise solar storm in early February 2024 brought stunning auroras across the US, demonstrating the potential for unexpected displays even with relatively mild geomagnetic activity.
Timing and Viewing Tips
Skywatchers hoping to catch a glimpse of the aurora should plan to be outside between 10 p.m. And 2 a.m. Local time on February 15th. Finding a location away from city lights is crucial, as light pollution can obscure the faint glow of the aurora. A clear, north-facing horizon is also ideal.
Experts recommend allowing your eyes to adjust to the darkness for at least 20 minutes. While the aurora may appear as a faint green or white glow to the naked eye, using your phone’s camera can often reveal more detail, as cameras are more sensitive to low light levels.
Why More Auroral Activity Lately?
The increased frequency of auroral displays isn’t a coincidence. We are approaching what’s known as “aurora season,” which occurs around the spring and fall equinoxes. EarthSky.org explains that during these periods, the Earth’s magnetic field is more susceptible to disturbances from the solar wind. The “north-south” component of the sun’s magnetic field fluctuates throughout the year, and these fluctuations are largest during the equinoxes. When the solar wind’s magnetic field is opposite to Earth’s, it can create a temporary opening in our planet’s magnetic field, allowing charged particles to flow more easily towards the poles and create auroras.
This phenomenon is particularly notable as the sun is currently in Solar Cycle 25, a roughly 11-year period of increasing and decreasing solar activity. The current cycle is predicted to be stronger than the previous one, potentially leading to more frequent and intense geomagnetic storms and, more opportunities to witness the northern lights.
The SWPC will continue to monitor space weather conditions and provide updates as needed. Those interested in tracking the aurora’s potential visibility can check the SWPC’s Aurora Dashboard for the latest information.
The next update from the Space Weather Prediction Center regarding this geomagnetic storm is expected on February 16, 2026. Keep checking back with time.news for the latest developments on this story.
Have you spotted the aurora? Share your photos and experiences in the comments below.
