October 10, 2026, 1:59 pm ET The Northern Lights could be visible in parts of the northern United States this weekend, as geomagnetic storms caused by solar activity increase the chances of aurora displays. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a moderate geomagnetic storm (G2) watch for Sunday, Oct. 11, according to an Oct. 9 agency announcement. The forecast covers the expected arrival of two coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, which are eruptions of material and magnetic fields from the sun. The eruptions left the sun on October 7 and 8, and meteorologists expect the faster-moving eruption to merge with the previous one on its way to Earth, according to NOAA. The resulting activity could make the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, visible in some northern and upper Midwestern states. Here’s what you need to know about the forecast and where the lights could appear. Which states could see the northern lights? People in the northern and upper Midwestern states could have a chance to see the aurora, with potential viewing areas stretching from New York west to Idaho. However, the forecast does not guarantee a sighting in any particular state. The actual strength of the storm, cloud cover, and light pollution can affect visibility. What causes the northern lights? The northern lights occur when charged particles from the sun interact with the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere, producing colorful displays in the sky. Coronal mass ejections can send large amounts of solar material and magnetic fields toward Earth. When they interact with Earth’s magnetic environment, they can trigger geomagnetic storms that make auroras visible further south than usual. NOAA classifies geomagnetic storms on a scale ranging from G1, or minor, to G5, or extreme. The stronger the storm, the further from the poles the auroras can be seen. Contributing: Julia Gomez, USA TODAY reporter. Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or at X @athompsonUSAT.