Northern Lights Could Light Up Montana Tonight

As we kick off 2026, January has already seen the first full moon of the year, and there was the peak of the Quadrantids meteor shower. Not a bad way to start a new year. 

A Strong Start to the 2026 Night Sky

One of the highlights of 2025 for me was in early November when we got to experience some of the most amazing Northern Lights I have ever seen in Montana. Not only did we get an amazing display, it happened early in the evening when many people could experience the event. 

Remembering Montana’s November Aurora Show

Social media pages from all over the world were filled with pictures from that event. It was impressive. 

Why the Northern Lights Could Return Tonight

Tonight, and tomorrow night, parts of Montana may get another view of the Northern Lights. According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, there is a good chance that the Northern Lights could be seen across 15 states, as far south as Wyoming and South Dakota, with a very good chance that most of Montana will see them, especially tonight. 

READ MORE: This Tiny Montana Town Is One of the Best in America to See the Northern Lights

An incoming solar wind, which can reach double the normal speed, is expected to peak overnight, according to Space.com. NOAA is also monitoring several incoming coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which will boost the chance to see the lights tonight. 

When events like this take place, there is always a chance that the weather may not cooperate. But if the skies can stay cloudless for a bit tonight, you just may get a pretty exciting show of the Northern Lights.