The aurora borealis was visible in much of the U.S. last night due to a solar storm

By Henry Larson,

Scott Detrow, Justine Kenin

Published January 20, 2026 at 3:51 PM CST

We talk with a NOAA scientist about the Northern Lights, and why their visibility seems to be increasing.

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All Things Considered

Henry Larson

Scott Detrow

Scott Detrow is a White House correspondent for NPR and co-hosts the NPR Politics Podcast.

See stories by Scott Detrow

Justine Kenin

Justine Kenin is an editor on All Things Considered. She joined NPR in 1999 as an intern. Nothing makes her happier than getting a book in the right reader's hands – most especially her own.

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