A pulse of solar activity is interacting with Earth’s magnetic field this week. This could bring the Northern Lights into view across parts of the United States around January 8 and 9. The best chances are far north. Alaska remains the top spot for aurora viewing. States like Washington, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota also lie within the viewing zone. In these places, the lights may form bright arcs or curtains. But seeing the aurora is never guaranteed. Sometimes it appears briefly and then fades. People in states south of the usual aurora belt, such as Minnesota, Michigan, Maine, Wyoming, Vermont, New Hampshire, and parts of New York, might catch subtle displays. These often look washed out or greyish, low on the horizon, and easy to miss at first glance. Many viewers only realize they saw the lights after looking at photos later. The cause is a coronal mass ejection from the Sun. It has sent charged particles toward Earth, creating a minor G1-level geomagnetic storm. This storm disturbs the planet’s magnetic field enough to trigger auroras but with low intensity. Solar wind conditions can change quickly, so exact timing is uncertain. Weather plays a big part. Thick clouds block the view completely. Light pollution from cities can also hide faint auroras. Dark, rural areas offer the best chances. Experts advise letting your eyes adjust to the dark and avoiding phone screens. Cameras often capture more colors and shapes than the naked eye. Sometimes the night sky looks empty, but other times it surprises us with dancing lights. This week, sky watchers across northern and some central US states should keep watch and hope for a magical light show in the cold winter night.