Trending Now - Northern Lights Expected to Shine Bright This March

WHO:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC)

Christopher Russell and Robert McPherron, UCLA geophysicists

WHAT:

A G1 geomagnetic storm watch was issued by NOAA for the weekend of March 7-8, 2026.

The Kp index is predicted to reach 4.67, indicating increased aurora visibility.

The Aurora Borealis is expected to be visible in several U.S. states and parts of Canada.

The phenomenon of northern lights occurs when solar wind interacts with Earth's atmosphere, causing charged particles to emit light.

WHERE:

Best viewing locations include:

U.S. states: Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, Wyoming, New York.

Parts of Canada.

WHEN:

The spring equinox will begin on March 20, 2026.

The best time to view the northern lights is between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. local time.

The geomagnetic storm watch is specifically for the weekend of March 7-8, 2026.

WHY:

Increased solar activity from a negative polarity coronal hole high-speed stream is responsible for the potential auroras.

The spring equinox is associated with geomagnetic storms due to the interaction of solar wind with Earth's magnetosphere.

HOW:

The auroras are created when solar wind interacts with atoms and molecules in Earth's atmosphere.

The Russell-McPherron Effect explains how the alignment of Earth's and the sun's magnetic fields can enhance aurora visibility.

To improve viewing chances, it is recommended to find dark locations away from urban light pollution and to look toward the northern horizon.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a G1 geomagnetic storm watch for this weekend, March 7-8, 2026, predicting that the Kp index will reach 4.67, which means the Aurora Borealis could be visible in several U.S. states and parts of Canada. This stunning natural display occurs when solar wind interacts with Earth's atmosphere, and the best viewing times are expected to be between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. local time, particularly in states like Alaska, Washington, and North Dakota. Increased solar activity from a coronal hole is driving this phenomenon, and to enhance your chances of seeing the northern lights, it's best to find dark locations away from city lights and look toward the northern horizon.