We all know that the weather can sometimes be tricky to predict. Sometimes forecasters get things 100% correct, and other times Mother Nature comes in with a surprise. That doesn’t just happen here in Earth’s atmosphere. Sometimes, unpredictable geomatic storms also occur. When that happens, it can leave a beautiful sky behind. According to the  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), the storm will leave behind an aurora that could make seeing the northern lights possible for millions of people on January 21. Probably the best northern lights timelapse I've ever shot pic.twitter.com/9zpLgovGCY— Nateinthewild | Nate Luebbe (@nateinthewild) January 11, 2026 The Northern Lights Paint the Sky in Gorgeous Hues While many states had a chance to see the northern lights earlier this week, tonight’s viewing area will be smaller. If you happen to live in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, Wisconsin, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine, you might be able to catch the northern lights tonight. When the northern lights are visible, people love to take pictures. The peak time is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., and the best place to view the northern lights is in the countryside. The less light pollution, the better. According to NASA, if you want to camp out and wait for the northern lights to appear, it’s best to pack essentials like batteries, snacks, blankets, and a place to sit. If it’s a cold night, which it could be for many people tonight,” there’s one more essential not to miss. “Extra camera batteries or battery pack for your phone. On cold nights, keep them in your pocket to keep them warm since cold batteries lose power quickly,” NASA explains. Will you be out waiting for the northern lights tonight? Or would you rather be warm and cozy at home, taking a look at other people’s pics online? This story’s featured image can be found here