Montpelier, VT – Skywatchers in Vermont may have a rare opportunity to glimpse the Northern Lights this weekend, as increased solar activity could push faint auroras into the region overnight from Friday through Sunday, January 8-9.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a G1-level geomagnetic storm caused by heightened solar wind is expected to peak during overnight hours. The storm is linked to a coronal mass ejection (CME) and a co-rotating interaction region (CIR)—solar disturbances that can intensify auroral activity and expand it farther south than usual.
In Vermont, auroras are expected to appear low on the northern horizon and may be faint. The best chances will be in rural northern areas with minimal light pollution, including parts of St. Albans, Newport, Island Pond, Burke, and the Northeast Kingdom. Higher elevations along the Green Mountains may also provide improved viewing conditions.
Residents in more populated areas such as Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland, and Brattleboro could still catch a glimpse if skies remain clear, though city lights may reduce visibility. Experts recommend heading away from urban centers and allowing eyes time to adjust to the darkness.
Cloud cover will be the biggest determining factor. Even strong geomagnetic activity cannot be seen through clouds, making clear skies essential. Aurora watchers are encouraged to track both local weather forecasts and NOAA space weather alerts throughout the weekend.
For many viewers, the aurora may appear as pale arcs or a 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.
