Nebraska
Alabama Joins Ohio, North Carolina, Kansas, Nebraska, Washington and More US States to Prepare for Super Cosmic Northern Light Show, Turbocharging Astro Tourism in America, Full Guide on Aurora Borealis Visibility – Travel And Tour World
Published on
January 20, 2026
By: Tuhin Sarkar
Get ready for the most breathtaking celestial event to hit the United States in years! Alabama has joined the ranks of Ohio, North Carolina, Kansas, Nebraska, Washington, and more U.S. states, as they prepare for an extraordinary northern light show this Monday night. This rare phenomenon is turbocharging astro tourism in America as Aurora Borealis makes its way farther south than ever before.
Super cosmic displays of northern lights are set to illuminate the sky, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for skywatchers across the country. From Alabama to Washington, the chance to see the aurora borealis is finally within reach for thousands who have never experienced this stunning natural light show.
The intensity of this aurora display is expected to astonish viewers, especially with the sun’s recent powerful eruption, setting the stage for a dazzling show in the winter sky. This event promises to be the ultimate cosmic spectacle, drawing astro tourism enthusiasts from every corner of the U.S. Get ready to witness the northern lights like never before, with full visibility across several states—keep reading to find out how and where you can experience this mesmerizing show firsthand!
Breathtaking Northern Lights to Light Up the Sky: Will You See the Aurora on Monday Night?
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle! The northern lights are expected to dance across the sky like never before, as a powerful solar eruption sends a cloud of charged particles racing toward Earth. For the first time in months, Aurora Borealis is forecast to be visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California, lighting up the night in an extraordinary display. If you’ve always dreamed of witnessing this mesmerizing natural wonder, Monday night, January 21, 2026, is your chance to catch the aurora as it flares to life across dozens of U.S. states. The question is, will you be able to see it in all its glory? Stay tuned as we break down the phenomenal northern lights forecast and how to prepare for this awe-inspiring cosmic event.
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With the geomagnetic storm expected to reach level 4 out of 5, the event promises to be a powerful spectacle, and the lights could be seen even farther south than usual. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the northern lights phenomenon as they make their way across the country!
How the Sun’s Explosive Eruption Will Create the Biggest Aurora Display in Months!
It all started with a solar eruption that happened on Sunday, releasing a coronal mass ejection (CME), a cloud of charged particles, toward our planet. This eruption is set to hit Earth on Monday night or early Tuesday, triggering dazzling displays of the northern lights across regions that rarely witness the aurora. According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, this geomagnetic storm will reach level 4 out of 5, classified as “severe.” With this level of intensity, even people in areas far south of the usual aurora zone—like Alabama and Northern California—could get a glimpse of the lights.
This is huge news for anyone in the lower 48 states, as this kind of aurora display is typically limited to the northernmost regions. The powerful solar flare means that more people than ever before will have the chance to witness this stunning celestial event. Will you be one of them? The lights could be faint, but cameras might still capture the magical glow if you’re far south. It’s time to prepare for a visual extravaganza in the sky that is expected to leave you breathless!
Where to See the Northern Lights: A Guide for U.S. Viewers!
If you live in the Northern U.S., your chances of seeing a spectacular aurora display are significantly higher. Areas like Ohio Valley, Kansas, Nebraska, and parts of the Rocky Mountains will have the best viewing conditions. Clear skies will play a crucial role in whether or not you can see the aurora with your naked eye. If you’re lucky enough to find clear skies in the forecast, get ready for a jaw-dropping experience! But even in the southern U.S., where the lights are less visible, you may still be able to capture the aurora on camera as it faintly glows in the distance.
For those in the lower U.S., where the aurora may be harder to spot, keep your cameras ready. Though the aurora may only be a faint glow near the horizon, technology can capture the beauty that the human eye might miss. Don’t forget to dress warmly—this will be a cold night for skywatchers as temperatures are expected to dip well below freezing across most of the country. Bundle up and get ready for a night you won’t soon forget!
The Perfect Timing: When and Where to Catch the Best Aurora Viewing!
Timing is everything when it comes to catching the northern lights. The geomagnetic storm is forecast to peak around Monday night, with the lights being most visible in the hours after sunset. So, if you’re in the southern U.S., you’ll need to stay up late, as the aurora will likely appear around 10 p.m. to midnight local time. If you’re in the north or Canada, the aurora will appear earlier in the evening, possibly stretching higher into the sky during stronger bursts.
Keep in mind that cloud cover will be the biggest factor in whether you’ll get to see the aurora. Clear skies in Ohio Valley and the Rocky Mountains are predicted to offer the best views. If you’re in the Midwest or the Dakotas, clouds may limit visibility. So, check the weather and find the best spots with clear skies. Dress warmly, grab your camera, and head to an open space where there are no streetlights to block your view.
What You Need to Know About the Solar Storm: A Cosmic Event Like No Other
While the northern lights are the highlight of the event, there is more to this solar storm than meets the eye. The radiation storm caused by the solar flare is the strongest since 2003, and it could have significant effects on satellite communications and aviation. Astronauts on the International Space Station will be exposed to higher radiation levels during this event. Similarly, passengers on flights that pass over the polar regions could experience increased radiation exposure. The solar storm also raises concerns about the electrical grid, although it’s unlikely to cause widespread damage.
Despite these potential effects, the northern lights remain one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena. The solar flare has created the perfect conditions for a spectacular light show that could be visible in places that would usually never see it. Prepare yourself for a stunning cosmic event that will be remembered for years to come!
Nebraska
Nebraska QB has high expectations heading into 2026 season
Nebraska’s new quarterback has high expectations for the upcoming season. Transfer Anthony Colandrea spoke with Pete Nakos of On3 (subscription required) about his decision to transfer and his goals for the Huskers this year.
Colandrea comes to Nebraska following a breakout junior year with the Rebels. The St. Petersburg, Florida, native finished the 2025 season throwing for 3,459 yards, 23 touchdowns, and nine interceptions with a 65.9 completion percentage.
The former Rebels’ play earned him the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year award. Before UNLV, Colandrea played two seasons at Virginia. In 19 games, he totaled 4,083 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns and 20 interceptions.
The new Husker told Nakos that he has high expectations and is looking to play in big games at the end of the season.
“Expectations at Nebraska are to win. Like, you’re not here to just not win a national championship. I’m not coming here to just win eight or nine games. I want to win a national championship; I want to go to the playoffs. I have high expectations, and we have high expectations as a team.”
Colandrea joined a Nebraska team that was looking for a new opening day starter after Dylan Raiola transferred to the Oregon Ducks. The Husker quarterback room also includes sophomore and bowl game starter T.J. Lateef and former Virginia quarterback Daniel Kaelin. He also expressed excitement about playing in front of Nebraska fans.
“It’s the craziest fan base I’ve ever been around. My first impression was I went to a wrestling match. I would never think a wrestling match would be sold out. I walk in, and it’s like 35,000 to 40,000 people. I’m like, this is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen. They bring the juice. I’m excited to play for them.”
Nebraska opens the 2026 season on Saturday, Sept. 5, when the Ohio Bobcats visit Memorial Stadium. Kickoff time and broadcast network are still to be determined.
Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes and opinions.
Nebraska
Four out of six Nebraska school bonds fail during primary election
In the past few years, Joel said Norris has tried to lower its tax levies, especially as property valuations have gone up. Additionally, the school hasn’t put as much into its special building fund with the idea that it would help taxpayers save more.
“That’s what led to that decision to not save as much to take care of the work, but to pass that savings on to taxpayers, with the hopes that we could get a bond issue approved to take care of that work all at once,” Joel said.
Although the election didn’t go in the school’s favor, Joel said he appreciated the feedback and conversations with the community throughout the process.
“If anything, it allowed us to share additional information regarding safety, security, infrastructure, all of that with the community, to create an awareness of the state of the district,” Joel said. “Now we can plan forward based on what the outcome of May 12 was.”
Plainview Public School offered voters two bond proposals on Tuesday, both of which failed. The district boundaries go into Pierce, Antelope and Knox counties.
The larger of the two proposals was for $26 million, which focused on the district’s academic spaces. It included improvements for safety and security, updating career and technical education spaces and equipment, and updating spaces for students with disabilities.
It overwhelmingly failed with 636 voters against and 239 in support.
The second proposal could only pass if the first one had. It was for nearly $6 million to add a new gymnasium. There were 650 voters against it and 220 in support.
Centura Public Schools in central Nebraska also saw its $18.95 million bond attempt fail, with 613 voting against it and 463 voting for it, according to unofficial results in Hall, Howard, Sherman and Buffalo counties. The district hoped to improve safety and security, modernize building systems and update classrooms. According to the bond website, the school hasn’t had major improvements since 1981.
Two school districts seemingly succeeded in passing their bonds: Pierce Public Schools and Stanton Community Schools.
The Pierce Public Schools bond amounts to nearly $10 million to expand and renovate the elementary school. According to the bond website, staff shared safety concerns about pickup and drop-off lanes, door and window security, insufficient security cameras, an inadequate intercom system and the need for an electronic lock system.
The bond includes renovating special education classrooms, enhancing security and building additional classrooms and spaces for students. It passed with 668 votes in support in Pierce County and 625 against, and in Wayne county eight for and 28 against — a 23-vote total difference, according to unofficial results from both counties.
Voters rejected a previous bond proposal for $29.5 million in August.
Stanton Community Schools passed a nearly $25 million bond for the construction of a new elementary school, which will include a multipurpose gym, an early childhood center and access to a storm shelter inside the building. Currently, students have to go outside to reach the storm shelter.
There were 607 votes for the bond in Stanton County and 522 against.
Nebraska
Nebraska legend signs with Jacksonville Jaguars
A former Nebraska running back has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ameer Abdullah signed a one-year contract with the club after spending the 2025 season with the Indianapolis Colts.
Abdullah played in 13 games with the Colts last year, mostly serving as a kick returner. He had 563 kick return yards for an average of 29.6 yards per return. An 81-yard return was his longest of the season.
The veteran is expected to add a key presence to the Jaguars’ backfield, following the departure of Travis Etienne. Abdullah was a legendary Husker running back, playing for the program from 2011 to 2014.
Abdullah ran for 4,588 yards and 62 touchdowns in his Nebraska career. He also recorded 73 receptions for 690 yards. For his career, he had 7,086 all-purpose yards and 48 total touchdowns.
He has been able to parlay his collegiate success into a successful career in the NFL playing for Detroit, Minnesota, Carolina and Las Vegas. This will be his 12th season in the league, as he continues to be a strong representative for the program.
Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes and opinions.
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