February 18, 2026 | 01:51 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Celestial spectacles seem to define 2026 in the most surreal way. With the second month of the year just entering its third week, the northern lights are forecast to make an appearance across the skies of 10 U.S. states.
From Tuesday, February 17 through Wednesday, February 18, the stellar event is expected to unfold as a result of G1-level geomagnetic activity. The conditions are projected to remain relatively stable through February 19, with Kp levels hovering around four out of nine.
The aurora borealis is a natural light display that occurs when energetic particles from the Sun interact with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere, producing waves of light in the sky. However, their visibility depends on factors such as intensity and location.
To catch the northern lights at their finest tonight, here’s everything you need to know, citing People and Forbes.
When will the northern lights be visible?
The northern lights are expected to be visible tonight, Tuesday, February 17. While the exact viewing window remains uncertain, the aurora is typically most active between 10:00 PM. and 02:00 AM, when skies are darkest.
Where will the northern lights be visible?
According to Forbes, the northern lights may be visible across 10 U.S. states located near the Canadian border. These include Alaska, the northern parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine.
How to watch the northern lights?
Catching the northern lights can be as simple as looking up at the night sky with the naked eye. For the best experience, head to an area far from light pollution and ensure you have a clear, unobstructed view of the northern horizon. Allow your eyes time to adjust to the darkness for better visibility, as People suggested.
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