Augusta, ME – A rare cosmic light show could be visible across parts of Maine this weekend, with the Northern Lights expected to appear overnight from tonight through Friday Jan 8-9 depending on weather and solar conditions.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a G1-level geomagnetic storm triggered by enhanced solar wind is expected to peak overnight, increasing the chance that auroras dip farther south than usual. The activity is linked to a coronal mass ejection (CME) and a co-rotating interaction region (CIR)—both disturbances in the solar wind that can intensify Earth’s aurora displays.
In Maine, the best chances will be late at night through the pre-dawn hours, especially north of Bangor and away from city lights. Communities such as Presque Isle, Caribou, Fort Kent, Millinocket, and Houlton are well-positioned due to darker skies and higher latitude. Viewers in Bangor, Augusta, Lewiston, and Portland may still see faint auroras low on the northern horizon if conditions align.
Experts say light pollution and cloud cover will be the biggest obstacles. Even during active geomagnetic storms, auroras can appear dim or milky white to the naked eye, particularly in southern Maine. Traveling to rural areas, coastal overlooks, or Dark Sky locations can significantly improve visibility.
Clear skies are essential—cloud cover will completely block the view regardless of solar strength. Aurora watchers are encouraged to monitor both local forecasts and NOAA space weather updates throughout the weekend.
For first-time viewers, cameras and smartphones set to Night Mode may reveal colors not easily seen by the eye. Long exposures often capture greens and purples even when the display looks faint.
This marks Maine’s first major aurora opportunity of 2026, and conditions could change quickly.
