Harrisburg, PA – Skywatchers across Pennsylvania may have a slim but notable chance to see the Northern Lights late Thursday night into early Friday, January 8–9, as increased solar activity pushes auroras into lower latitudes.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a G1-level geomagnetic storm is expected to peak overnight. The storm is being driven by enhanced solar wind associated with a coronal mass ejection (CME) and a co-rotating interaction region (CIR)—solar disturbances that can expand aurora visibility farther south than usual.
In Pennsylvania, auroras are expected to be very faint and low on the northern horizon, making viewing conditions challenging. The best chances will be in northern and rural parts of the state, especially areas with minimal light pollution such as Bradford, Wellsboro, Coudersport, Emporium, and regions of the Pennsylvania Wilds. Higher elevations and open northern views will improve visibility.
Residents in State College, Williamsport, Scranton, Erie, and Harrisburg may still spot a subtle glow if skies remain clear. Those in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh face steeper challenges due to heavy light pollution, though faint activity is not impossible under ideal conditions.
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 weather forecasts and NOAA space weather updates closely.
For most viewers in Pennsylvania, the aurora may appear as a dim arc or pale glow rather than bright colors. Cameras and smartphones using Night Mode or long-exposure settings often capture greens and purples not easily visible to the naked eye.
If skies cooperate, this could mark Pennsylvania’s first potential aurora sighting of 2026.
