Albany, NY – New Yorkers may have a rare opportunity to spot the Northern Lights late Thursday night into early Friday, January 8–9, as a burst of solar activity pushes auroras farther south than usual.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a G1-level geomagnetic storm is expected to peak overnight. The activity is being driven by enhanced solar wind linked to a coronal mass ejection (CME) and a co-rotating interaction region (CIR)—solar disturbances that can expand auroral visibility into lower latitudes.
In New York, auroras are expected to be faint and low on the northern horizon, making location critical. The best chances will be in far northern and rural areas, particularly the North Country and Adirondacks, including Plattsburgh, Malone, Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, and Old Forge. Areas near Lake Ontario and Lake Champlain may also benefit from darker horizons.
Residents in Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, and New York City could still catch a subtle glow if skies remain clear, but light pollution may significantly reduce visibility. Experts recommend traveling away from urban centers and finding open northern views.
Cloud cover will be the biggest obstacle. Even strong geomagnetic storms cannot be seen through clouds, making clear skies essential. Aurora watchers are encouraged to monitor local forecasts along with NOAA space weather alerts throughout the night.
For many viewers in New York, the aurora may appear as a pale arc or faint glow rather than vivid colors. Cameras and smartphones using Night Mode or long-exposure settings often reveal greens and purples not easily visible to the naked eye.
