Madison, WI – Wisconsin residents may have an excellent chance to see the Northern Lights late Thursday night into early Friday, January 8–9, as increased 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 strengthen aurora displays across northern states.
In Wisconsin, auroras are expected to be more visible than in states farther south, especially in northern and rural areas with minimal light pollution. The best viewing locations include Bayfield, Ashland, Superior, Ironwood-area communities, Eagle River, Minocqua, and Rhinelander, as well as along the Lake Superior shoreline.
Residents in Green Bay, Wausau, Eau Claire, and Stevens Point may also see auroral activity if skies remain clear. In Milwaukee and Madison, visibility will be more limited due to light pollution, but faint displays are still possible under ideal conditions.
Cloud cover remains the biggest factor. Even strong geomagnetic storms cannot be seen through clouds, making clear skies essential. Aurora watchers are encouraged to monitor local weather forecasts along with NOAA space weather updates overnight.
For many viewers, the aurora may appear as glowing arcs or shimmering bands, with colors appearing stronger in darker locations. Cameras and smartphones using Night Mode or long-exposure settings can capture vivid greens and hints of purple not easily visible to the naked eye.
If conditions align, this could mark Wisconsin’s first notable aurora display of 2026.
