Northern Lights to Appear in Nine States Tuesday Night

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expects a Kp index of four, bringing the aurora borealis to northern U.S. regions.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Space

Northern Lights to Appear in Nine States Tuesday Night

Live Poll

Do you plan to head out tonight to try to view the northern lights?

The aurora borealis is forecast to be visible across nine U.S. states on Tuesday night following a Kp index reading of four. This celestial display occurs as the sun moves through its 11-year solar cycle.

Why it matters

The lights are caused by charged solar particles colliding with gases in the upper atmosphere. Oxygen interactions 60 miles above the ground create the signature green color of the aurora.

The Kp index is forecast to reach four on Tuesday night before dropping to three by Wednesday night. The phenomenon occurs 60 miles above the ground during the current 11-year solar cycle.

The players

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

This federal scientific agency is responsible for monitoring weather, climate, and oceanic conditions and issues space weather alerts.

The details

Viewers in Alaska, North Dakota, Washington, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan may see the lights between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. Observers should seek areas with minimal light pollution and utilize tripods for photography.

Tuesday night: Kp index of four forecast with potential aurora visibility.
10 p.m. to 2 a.m.: Optimal time window for viewing the lights.
Wednesday night: Kp index forecast to decrease to three.
2024: Auroral activity reached a 500-year peak.

The Big Picture

This forecast follows a pattern established by the 2024 solar cycle peak, which saw the highest levels of auroral activity in 500 years. Current activity levels reflect the gradual decline expected as the sun moves through its 11-year cycle.

Residents in the nine affected states should prepare for potential viewing by seeking locations away from artificial light sources. Photographers are advised to use tripods and low apertures while avoiding flash to capture the activity clearly.

The takeaway

The aurora borealis is a natural byproduct of solar energy interacting with the atmosphere during active periods of the solar cycle. While this storm is rated at a moderate Kp index of four, future displays may decrease as the current solar cycle progresses toward its quiet phase.