Monday Northern Lights Forecast: 9 States May See the Aurora

The Monday Northern Lights forecast gives some U.S. skywatchers a chance to see the aurora borealis tonight. One report identifies nine states with potential auroral activity, while other coverage expands the possible viewing area to 10 or even 25 states, depending on the forecast period and the definition of “possible visibility” Source 1.

Time also reports on potential Northern Lights viewing in the United States on Monday, June 8, 2026 Source 3.

The key point is probability. A state included in an aurora forecast does not guarantee that every community within it will see bright curtains overhead. Visibility depends on geomagnetic activity, darkness, cloud cover, light pollution, viewing direction, and storm timing.

What to Know About Tonight’s Forecast

The aurora typically appears within an oval surrounding Earth’s magnetic poles. During periods of elevated geomagnetic activity, that oval can expand toward lower latitudes. A strong geomagnetic storm may therefore make the Northern Lights visible in parts of the United States that rarely see them.

Forbes reports that nine U.S. states may have a chance to see the aurora on Monday night Source 1. A separate Forbes summary describes a possible viewing area covering 10 states Source 5.

The different totals do not necessarily conflict. Forecast maps can change as new solar-wind data arrives, and reports may use different time windows or count areas where only a faint glow is possible.

Three conditions must align for successful viewing:

1. Geomagnetic activity must reach the forecast level.
2. The auroral oval must extend over or near the observer’s location.
3. The local sky must be dark and clear.

Clouds, haze, smoke, fog, rain, moonlight, and urban light pollution can all reduce visibility. Check updated information from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center shortly before going outside.

Which States May See the Aurora?

The supplied Forbes summary identifies nine potential viewing states but does not provide a verifiable state list in the available material Source 1. Confirm the exact states against the original report or an updated official aurora map before publication.

Potential viewing areas generally fall into three groups:

• Northern-tier states: Areas near the Canadian border usually have the strongest probability during a moderate geomagnetic storm.
• Great Lakes states: Dark rural areas and open shorelines may offer good sightlines when the auroral oval moves south.
• Southern-edge locations: These areas may see only a low northern arc or faint glow during stronger activity.

A statewide forecast is not a guarantee for every county. A city on the southern edge of a forecast zone may have a weaker opportunity than a rural location farther north.

A separate Forbes report mentions 10 states Source 5. People reports a broader possibility covering as many as 25 states tonight and over the weekend Source 9.

The wider estimate may include low-probability locations, faint horizon visibility, or a forecast covering several nights. A location-specific aurora forecast is more useful than a headline state count.

What Causes the Northern Lights?

Solar eruptions can send charged particles and magnetic energy toward Earth. When those particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, some are directed toward the upper atmosphere. Collisions with atmospheric gases release energy as light, creating the aurora borealis.

Common aurora colors include:

• Green: Usually produced by oxygen at lower altitudes
• Red: Often associated with oxygen at higher altitudes
• Blue and purple: Typically linked to nitrogen and changing particle energies

A stronger geomagnetic storm can push the auroral oval toward lower latitudes, but it does not guarantee a visible display at every location Source 7. Solar-wind conditions can change within hours, causing a storm to arrive early, weaken, intensify, or affect a different region than expected.

When and Where to Watch

The darkest part of the night, from late evening through early morning, is usually best. Exact timing varies with sunset, sunrise, latitude, moonlight, and storm conditions. Remain outside for at least 20 to 30 minutes and check the sky periodically because activity can appear in bursts.

Before traveling, check cloud cover, visibility, fog, precipitation, smoke, haze, wind, and temperature. Choose a safe location away from streetlights, stadiums, and parking lots, with an unobstructed view toward the north.

Rural roads, open fields, lakeshores, state parks, and designated dark-sky areas often provide better conditions than city centers. Confirm park hours, access rules, parking requirements, road conditions, and nighttime closures. Do not stop on a highway shoulder or enter private property.

Bring warm layers, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, water, a portable power bank, and a flashlight with a red-light setting. Tell someone where you are going when visiting a remote area.

How to Photograph the Aurora

Modern smartphones can photograph a faint aurora. Use night mode or manual controls, stabilize the phone with a tripod or secure surface, clean the lens, lower screen brightness, and use a timer. Take several images because brightness can change rapidly.

For a camera, start with a wide aperture, a moderate exposure, a controlled ISO, manual focus near infinity, and a tripod. Use shorter exposures when the aurora moves quickly. Cameras collect light during an exposure, so photographs may show stronger colors than the unaided eye.

How to Check Visibility Near You

Use the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center and compare the aurora forecast with your latitude, local cloud cover, light pollution, moonlight, darkness, and northern visibility. Recent reports from nearby observers can help, but reliable reports should include a location, timestamp, viewing direction, and description.

A rural location with clear skies can offer better viewing than a major city listed in a state-level forecast.

What to Expect Tonight

A bright aurora is not guaranteed. The display could be bright and active, faint and low on the horizon, intermittent, visible only through a camera, or completely hidden by clouds. Southern viewers should expect the possibility of a subtle glow rather than an overhead display.

Some reports discuss possible visibility tonight and over the weekend Source 9. Conditions can change each night, so use a separate forecast rather than assuming the display will continue.

FAQ

Can I see the Northern Lights from the United States tonight?

Possibly. Visibility depends on location, geomagnetic activity, darkness, cloud cover, and light pollution. Northern states generally have the best chance.

Which states may see the aurora?

One forecast identifies nine states, another mentions 10, and People reports that as many as 25 states may have a chance tonight or over the weekend. The final area depends on the latest forecast and the period covered.

What time should I look?

Check during the darkest hours, generally from late evening through early morning. Stay outside for 20 to 30 minutes and monitor short-term updates.

Do I need to leave the city?

Not always, but dark skies significantly improve visibility. Choose a safe, accessible location away from bright lights with a clear northern horizon.

Can I photograph the aurora with a phone?

Yes. Use night mode, stabilize the phone, clean the lens, and reduce screen brightness. Photos may show stronger colors than your eyes.

Why might I miss the aurora?

Clouds, fog, smoke, light pollution, weak or delayed geomagnetic activity, poor northern visibility, incorrect timing, or an aurora too faint for unaided vision can all prevent a sighting. Treat the Monday forecast as an opportunity, not a guarantee.