Solar storm creates spectacular northern lights across Upstate New York

The northern lights splashed color across the Upstate New York sky this week as one of the strongest solar radiation storms in decades lit up the atmosphere — if clouds didn’t get in the way, that is.

On Sunday and Monday nights, the sky shimmered from Maine and New York all the way south to Alabama. Across Upstate New York, photographers braved bone-chilling January temperatures to capture the rainbow-like aurora dancing overhead.

The northern lights were captured across Upstate New York on Jan. 18-19, 2026. Spotted over Great Sacandaga Lake. Tom Schettine | @tom_schettine on InstagramTom Schettine | @tom_schettine on Instagram

While solar storm colors are occasionally visible in Upstate New York, they are rarely this intense. A similarly vivid display last lit up the region in September 2025.

To keep an eye on the aurora forecast on any date, visit NOAA’s website or their Facebook page for the Space Weather Prediction Center.

Here are some of the stunning photos and videos captured around Upstate New York.

The northern lights were captured across Upstate New York on Jan. 18-19, 2026. Taken in Albany County. Tony Colasurdo | @tcolasurdo on InstagramTony Colasurdo | @tcolasurdo on InstagramThe northern lights were captured across Upstate New York on Jan. 18-19, 2026. Seen in Saranac. Provided photo | @drhealth_adk46er on InstagramProvided photo | @drhealth_adk46er on InstagramThe northern lights were captured across Upstate New York on Jan. 18-19, 2026. Seen in Cooperstown. Provided photo | @ca55andragram on InstagramProvided photo | @ca55andragram on InstagramThe northern lights were captured across Upstate New York on Jan. 18-19, 2026. Taken in Lake George. Luke Dow Photography | @luke_dow_photography on InstagramLuke Dow Photography | @luke_dow_photography on InstagramThe northern lights were captured across Upstate New York on Jan. 18-19, 2026. Seen in Canadice, New York. Rob Ryer | @robryerphoto on InstagramRob Ryer | @robryerphoto on InstagramThe northern lights were captured across Upstate New York on Jan. 18-19, 2026. Taken at Lodi Point State Park on Seneca Lake. Adam Farid | @afaridphoto on InstagramAdam Farid | @afaridphoto on InstagramThe northern lights were captured across Upstate New York on Jan. 18-19, 2026. Taken at Lodi Point State Park on Seneca Lake. Adam Farid | @afaridphoto on InstagramAdam Farid | @afaridphoto on InstagramThe northern lights were captured across Upstate New York on Jan. 18-19, 2026. Spotted over Great Sacandaga Lake. Tom Schettine | @tom_schettine on InstagramTom Schettine | @tom_schettine on InstagramThe northern lights were captured across Upstate New York on Jan. 18-19, 2026. Seen in Knox, N.Y. Michelle Johnston | @mleajohnston on InstagramMichelle Johnston | @mleajohnston on InstagramThe northern lights were captured across Upstate New York on Jan. 18-19, 2026. Taken in Braddock Bay Park, Rochester. Evan McPhatter | @e.mcp.photo on InstagramEvan McPhatter | @e.mcp.photo on InstagramThe northern lights were captured across Upstate New York on Jan. 18-19, 2026. Shot at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Tyler Bowles | @tylertbowles on InstagramTyler Bowles | @tylertbowles on InstagramThe northern lights were captured across Upstate New York on Jan. 18-19, 2026. Seen over Carter’s Pond in the Capital Region. Provided photo | @vinny_mac33
on InstagramProvided photo | @vinny_mac33 on InstagramThe northern lights were captured across Upstate New York on Jan. 18-19, 2026. Seen over Carter’s Pond in the Capital Region. Provided photo | @vinny_mac33
on InstagramProvided photo | @vinny_mac33 on Instagram