Chicago, IL – Skywatchers across the Midwest could catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis overnight tonight into early Friday, as heightened solar activity raises the potential for northern lights visibility between Thursday night, Jan. 2, and Friday morning, Jan. 3, 2026.
According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, geomagnetic conditions are expected to reach a Kp index of 6, signaling a moderate geomagnetic storm. While the strongest aurora activity is expected across Alaska and Canada, these conditions may allow the auroral oval to dip far enough south for parts of the Midwest to see faint auroras near the northern horizon.
The best chance for viewing is expected after midnight, especially in areas with clear skies and low light pollution. States with the highest potential include Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, northern Iowa, and northern Illinois, particularly in rural areas or higher elevations away from city lights.
Urban centers such as Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis may see limited visibility due to light pollution, but long-exposure photography could still capture subtle green or red glows if cloud cover remains minimal.
Auroras occur when charged solar particles collide with Earth’s magnetic field, energizing gases in the upper atmosphere. While not guaranteed, Kp 6 events have historically produced aurora sightings across the Upper Midwest, especially during winter months when nights are longer and darker.
